In this price range you get to some seriously capable microscopes. The objectives are at least semi-PLAN if not PLAN apochromatic. Trinocular heads, ergonomic controls, upgrades to phase contrast and polarized light kits, photographic attachments, and Kohler illumination make this class ideal for photomicrography.
Some examples:
-
Trinocular Digital $899 http://www.lowestpricemicroscopes.com/40x-1600x-trinocular-high-power-biological-compound-light-microscope/
-
Series A Trinocular $900 http://www.microscope-depot.com/seriesAtrinoc.asp
-
Infinity Corrected $910 http://www.lowestpricemicroscopes.com/40x-1600x-infinity-corrected-compound-light-microscope-larger-eyetubes-high-watt/