buying a microscope

I was hoping to see what microscopes any of you use and any recommendations on which microscope would be best for all around observing and measuring the presence of microorganisms in soil, compost, and compost tea. I am interested in tinkering with tea recipes and wanted to also find out if there were any particular models to avoid and perhaps any to seek out. Also I don't plan on spending too much, maybe a couple hundred bucks at most. Thanks!

To be able to see the microorganisms we want in our soil well enough to be able to distinguish the good from the bad, you will need a minimum of 2500 X.

Bare Minimum

1/2 step up from bare min.

easier to use

good basic kit

To really see the organisms well you want binocular, the last one is pretty good without getting in the 300 dollar and up range plus it comes with slide prep kit and a book on how to use the microscope.

Redhawk