If want to photograph with the microscope your wife got you, there is an easy way to do that. Since you say it is lab quality, I assume it is binocular. If you remove one of the eyepieces, you can use almost any camera that will focus relatively closely to capture images. I had a CoolPix 900 and just used a piece of plastic water pipe for my adapter. Had to play with the focus a little, but it was not too hard to get it adjusted. The camera lens was about 1" or so from the end of the optical tube. You can also use a tripod. With your SLR, getting the focus right should be very simple.
John