You will find folks on the web saying that all low-priced violins are garbage.....I disagree, and hope you will also make up your own mind after seeing them and playing them.  My personal favorite fiddle that goes everywhere with me is a ~1980 Skylark 006 from People's Republic of China that has lots of attitude and plays easily.

 

Sure, there are some really bad ones.   I repurpose them by giving them to artists to make wall art.

 

About bows: in the low/moderate price range, I think carbon fiber bows can be a good choice; again, there are traditionalists who insist that they are evil.  For more on the topic of materials and musical instruments,