In short:
Stethoscope - Littmans Master Classic, Littman Classic SE II ($100)
Oto/Optho - Don't get one, they are available everywhere you practice
Tuning Fork/Reflex Hammer - cheapest you can find, technique > tool
Pen Lights - they walk, alot. Get a box of el cheapos.
Stethoscope.
Beginner Recommended: Littman Master Classic (one sided, tunable diaphragm), Or Littman Classic SE II (Switchable Bell and Diaphragm) $100
Advanced Preference: Littman Cardiology III, Littman Master Cardiology, Welch-Allyn Elite (in no particular order)
I rolled in to medical school as a paramedic, and was already using the Littman Master Classic (tunable diaphragm). It runs about 100 bucks, is highly durable, and will be competitive for the use of any medical student. I do not recommend investing 200+ for a Cardiology iii, Master Cardiology, or Welch-Allyn Elite. While these are considered the top of the line popular scopes, what becomes more important is the person using the scope, not the scope itself. But at the same time you want to be able to hear the sounds you are supposed to. So getting the 30 dollar scope will allow you to look like you are going through the motions, but you may not be able to hear the sounds. What is subtle for you is probably obvious to the attending, so having a slightly better scope will help you identify what you are supposed to hear, not the superfluous sounds of artifact.
There is a significant amount of debate between scopes. There is no real good resource for distinguishing which is best online. You will likely be influenced by some one you respect's opinion, and be pushed into one over the other. Some advocate for bell-diaphragm being separate to force you to learn the different pathologies and when to use one or the other. Others will say the tunable diaphragm makes things easier and is just as good. Honestly, as a novice, it really won't matter, and any mid-range, decent scope is well worth the money.
Oto/Optho.
Do Not but anything
DO NOT buy an opthalmoscope/otoscope unless directed by your institution. Literally every clinic or ER bed I've been to (and I've worked in about as third world as you can get without leaving the country) has their own set on the wall. Fun to play with, maybe useful to practice with friends, you will not carry around your own. if you do, you will likely be made fun of or even chastised for being over prepared. Over-prepared says "lack of confidence" not "looking forward." My parents didn't know any better and bought me one my first year. I was all excited "yay im going to doctor some people!" I didn't use it once except to practice with my girlfriend. Then if broke in a move. 150 bucks wasted. Now, I always have access to the ones on the wall. PLus you dont want to be that douche gunner that carries around all their own equipment when you barely know how to use it in the first place.
Fork and Hammer.
Anything you Can find cheap
Any tuning fork and reflex hammer will do. There are differences in frequencies, size, and yadda yadda, but again, for your purposes (practice mostly) getting any cheapo version is going to be great. Don't spend more than 10 dollars on a tuning fork or 10 dollars for a reflex hammer. Your school bookstore likely has grossly inflated prices which may make the 10 dollar mark seem small. Again, it is more about developing your skill in eliciting the responses than the equipment. I've lost two reflex hammers and resort to using my stethoscope unless I suspect neurologic involvement, where I go find somebody with a hammer.
Pen Light.
Buy a Box of el Cheapos
I literally never have one when i need to. I've actually adjusted my physcial exam to not require it since I'm always without it. If i have the otoscope on the wall, I use that. That being said, you should ALWAYS have a pen light. It helps you see in the dark, it helps you see in the throat, it helps you test pupillary reactivity. But these things break, get lost, and fall out of your coat. Buy a box of 20 or so super cheap ones. That should last you through medical school.
BP Cuff.
Anything Cheap
You aren't starting a clinic. Get something cheap enough for you to practice on your freinds, if you intend to practice at all. Thats all your BP cuff is good for. Unless you are worried about your own BP, and want to practice by checking it, buy whatever cheap one is at the Bookstore.
Final Note
I like Moore Medical for purchasing stuff. They are usually cheaper than the Bookstore, not the cheapest, but man are they reliable. I've bought a bunch of stuff through them for my paramedic job and as a medical student. I have had one problem which was promptly corrected at no cost to me. The trade off of superior customer service for a little more than the cheapest chinese knock off is totally worth it, in my opinion.
Also, I recently saw an ophthalmologist who doesn't own one, which made me feel especially silly for having it.
