What samples are you wishing to view? How are they mounted/presented? What is the smallest size you need to view down to?
What illumination do you require?
If doing fluorescence microscopy, please answer the following: Which filters do you require? How many filter holders do you require? Please specify the wavelength of the fluorochromes used Do you have any preference between mercury, metal halide and LED illumination?
Do you wish to attach a camera (now or in the future)? If so, do you already have a camera that you would like to attach (please tell me what make and model it is) or do you need to also purchase this? Do you require a colour camera or a monochrome camera (typically used for fluorescence imaging) What exactly would you like to do with the camera and software? Please be very specific