Telescopes under €500 represent a sweet spot in amateur astronomy: not too basic, and not overwhelmingly complex. In this price range you can expect telescopes that deliver real views of the Moon, planets, nebulae, and even some deep-sky objects without constant frustration. We’ve selected four outstanding models that balance performance, stability, and simplicity — perfect for beginners and hobby astronomers alike.
What to Expect From a Telescope Under €500
With a budget of up to €500, you’re stepping into telescopes that can show more than just the basics. Expect significantly larger apertures and better optics than typical entry-level models; this means brighter, clearer views and a deeper glimpse into the night sky. You’ll be able to enjoy the lunar surface in great detail, glimpse Saturn’s rings under good conditions, and observe brighter nebulae and star clusters.
Mount quality also improves in this range: many telescopes either include stable Dobsonian mounts or come with solid alt-azimuth / equatorial tripods, making tracking and observing more comfortable and enjoyable.
Sky-Watcher Heritage-130P FlexTube
An innovative and ultra-portable collapsible design makes this telescope a perfect travel companion. With its 130mm aperture, it delivers bright, crisp views of the Moon and planets, while remaining powerful enough to reveal brighter deep-sky objects like nebulae and star clusters.
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Bresser Messier 6" Dobson
This 150mm Newtonian reflector offers 73% more light-gathering power than standard 114mm models. It features a high-quality parabolic mirror for excellent sharpness, and the optical tube can be removed and mounted on equatorial mounts later thanks to its included tube rings.
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Celestron Inspire 100AZ
A feature-rich refractor ideal for beginners, including an integrated smartphone adapter for easy astrophotography. It features a built-in red LED flashlight and a focus micrometer scale. Its short focal length provides a wide field of view, perfect for sweeping star fields.
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Sky-Watcher AC 120/600 AZ Pronto
A powerful "Rich-Field" refractor with a massive 120mm aperture. Mounted on the lightweight and precise AZ Pronto mount, this setup is incredibly user-friendly. It is excellent for panoramic views of the Milky Way and large nebulae, as well as high-quality terrestrial viewing.
Check Prices on AstroshopWhy These Telescopes Stand Out
Unlike very cheap toy telescopes, the models here have apertures and optics that genuinely deliver deeper views into the cosmos. Reflector telescopes with larger mirrors — especially on Dobsonian mounts — offer exceptional light gathering and stability, making faint nebulae and star fields more visible. Refractors, on the other hand, provide sharp contrast and smooth planetary detail with minimal setup.
Modern telescopes in this range often include better eyepieces and mounts that take the frustration out of focusing and tracking, so you can spend more time observing and enjoying the night sky.
Practical Observing Tips
Regardless of your choice, take time to learn the night sky and your instrument. Start with familiar objects like the Moon and Jupiter, then work up to deep-sky targets like the Orion Nebula or the Pleiades.
Accessories like a simple red-dot finder, a set of eyepieces with varied focal lengths, or even a UHC nebula filter can greatly enhance your observing experience without significantly increasing cost.
Final Thoughts
A telescope under €500 is a meaningful investment in your astronomy journey. You’ll gain broader views of the cosmos with equipment capable of supporting you through years of stargazing — not just your first night.