The €200 price range represents a major step up from entry-level telescopes. At this level, beginners can finally experience stable mounts, better optics, and views that go beyond the Moon and bright planets. In this guide, we highlight two standout telescopes that deliver the best balance of performance, simplicity, and long-term enjoyment.
What to Expect From a Telescope Under €200
Unlike cheaper beginner telescopes, models under €200 can provide genuinely satisfying views of the Moon, planets, and even some bright deep-sky objects such as star clusters and nebulae.
While this budget is still not intended for astrophotography, it allows for far better optical quality and — most importantly — stable mounts that make observing enjoyable instead of frustrating.
Top Picks Under €200
These two telescopes were selected because they avoid the most common beginner pitfalls: shaky tripods, exaggerated magnification claims, and poor long-term usability.
Acuter MaksyGo 60
A compact Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope with a 60 mm aperture and a long 750 mm focal length. Its sealed optical design delivers sharp, high-contrast views of the Moon and planets in a very portable tabletop Dobsonian format.
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Sky-Watcher Heritage 100 Dobsonian
Featuring a 100 mm aperture and a fast 400 mm focal length, this tabletop Dobsonian offers excellent light-gathering power for its size, making it ideal for wide-field views and beginner deep-sky observing.
Check Prices on AstroshopOther Telescopes Worth Considering Under €200
In this price range, you may also encounter models such as the Orion StarBlast series, small equatorial-mounted refractors, or compact reflectors on lightweight tripods. While some of these perform well optically, mount stability and ease of use often remain weak points.
That is why Dobsonian-mounted reflectors and compact Maksutov designs consistently offer the best overall experience for beginners.
Why These Two Telescopes Stand Out
Both the Acuter MaksyGo 60 and the Sky-Watcher Heritage 100 focus on what truly matters for beginners: stable mounts, honest specifications, and reliable optical performance.
Instead of chasing unrealistic magnification numbers, these telescopes provide steady, high-quality views that encourage learning and exploration.
Final Thoughts
Some claim that budget telescopes can be “hobby killers,” but the €200 category proves that this does not have to be the case. With realistic expectations and the right design, these telescopes can provide years of enjoyment.
Whether you prefer the sharp planetary views of the MaksyGo 60 or the wider, brighter deep-sky views of the Heritage 100, both represent excellent entry points into amateur astronomy.