The best inexpensive fluorescence microscope I've seen in the last 
several years is the Motic BA4000. Objective interchangeable with 
Olympus BX series; otherwise, it's all Motic. Solid stand, bright 
optics, very good fluorescence throughput. Quite possibly would work 
find with LED, but I've not tried that. Would be my first choice for 
"student" use.
Julian

John Runions wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> This is a bit off the topic of confocal microscopy but I was wondering 
> if people have recommendations for good and inexpensive fluorescence 
> microscopes. What I am interested in is something that might be a rung 
> or two down the expense ladder from a research microscope. We have 
> research microscopes but are wanting to buy 1-2 microscopes that might 
> be better for general use. In particular, what about microscopes that 
> come equipped with or that are suitable for running with LED illumination.
>
> I will be happy to have vendors contact me off-list directly at my 
> email address.
>
> Thanks for your help. John.
> -- 
>
> (Sent from my cra%#y non-Blackberry electronic device that still has 
> wires)
>
> *********************************
> John Runions, Ph.D.
> School of Life Sciences
> Oxford Brookes University
> Oxford, UK
> OX3 0BP
>
> email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
> phone: +44 (0) 1865 483 964
>
> Runions’ lab web site 
> <http://www.brookes.ac.uk/lifesci/runions/HTMLpages/index.html%21>
>
> Visit The Illuminated Plant Cell 
> <http://www.illuminatedcell.com/ER.html> dot com
> Oxford Brookes Master's in Bioimaging with Molecular Technology 
> <http://www.brookes.ac.uk/studying/courses/postgraduate/2007/bmt>
>


-- 
Julian P.S. Smith III
Director, Winthrop Microscopy Facility
Dept. of Biology
Winthrop University
520 Cherry Rd.
Rock Hill, SC  29733

803-323-2111 x6427 (vox)
803-323-3448 (fax)
803-524-2347 (cell)