Hey - Middle aged worm biologist here 
I’ve used less than ideal microscopes for my whole career (good Motics, but not as nice as I’ve seen in other worm labs around the world). I have an opportunity to buy some good daily scopes (finally).
What’s your favorite everyday scope for routine crosses, worm maintenance etc?. Not fluorescent dissecting or confocals - regular bottom light worm scopes
SZX7 Zoom Olympus Stereo Microscope works well.
I really like my Nikon SMZ660 zoom microscopes - good optics and a range of different eye pieces from high mag for doing behavior (e.g., pharyngeal pumping) to low mag for flipping plates. It looks like they are no longer made - I think the SMZ460 looks even better since it is lower.
COngrats on your new funds!
new lab here and I bought some Motics (ha, SMZ-171 LED) and I like them a lot. I also got Nikon SMZ745 stereoscopes and they are perfect but cost more than double my Motics.