Many beginners rush to buy a telescope, only to realize that a good pair of binoculars can actually offer a more immersive and less frustrating experience. For a fraction of the price of a telescope, you get a massive field of view, portable gear, and the ability to "scan" the Milky Way. In this guide, we look at four budget-friendly models that prove you don't need thousands of euros to start your astronomical journey.
Why Choose Binoculars Over a Cheap Telescope?
A budget telescope under €100 often comes with a shaky mount and a narrow field of view. Binoculars, on the other hand, use both eyes (which is more natural for our brains) and show you "big" chunks of the sky. This makes finding constellations and large nebulae like Orion much easier.
In fact, there is an entire branch of Binocular Astronomy with dedicated books and maps just for this hobby. It's not a "temporary" tool, on the contrary, it’s a lifelong companion for every astronomer. It is the one piece of equipment you will use even after you upgrade to a massive telescope.
Top Budget Picks
These models offer the best balance between optical quality and price for 2025.
Bresser Hunter 7x50
My personal favorite. The 7x magnification is easy to hold steady, and the 50mm lenses gather plenty of light for city stargazing. Excellent build quality for the price.
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Celestron UpClose G2 10x50
A classic "workhorse." The 10x magnification gives you a bit more reach for the Moon and Jupiter's moons, though you'll need a steady hand to keep the image still.
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Celestron Cometron 7x50
Designed specifically for entry-level astronomy. It features a very wide field of view, making it the perfect tool for learning constellations and hunting comets.
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Omegon Nightstar 15x70
The "Big Guns." With 70mm lenses, this is almost a double-telescope. Warning: It is heavy! You will likely need a tripod to use this effectively for long sessions.
Check Prices on AstroshopFinal Thoughts
If you have €50 to €80 and you want to start tonight, buy a pair of 7x50 binoculars. You will learn the sky faster, avoid the frustration of shaky mounts, and see objects like the Pleiades and the Orion Nebula in a way that no budget telescope can match. Astronomy is about the joy of discovery, and sometimes, two eyes are better than one.