Admiring the starry sky really doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether you've set a strict budget or just want to take a big step forward in your hobby without spending thousands of euros, a €500 limit immediately puts you in the serious segment. For this amount, you can buy telescopes that come completely equipped and are powerful enough for razor-sharp details of planets and the first deep-sky objects. We have listed the best telescopes under 500 euros for you, so you can immediately start making the right set of memories for years to come!
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Bresser Messier 150/750 Dobson - €369.00 EUR
Combining a large 150 mm parabolic mirror with a compact, easy-to-handle design: that is the strength of the Bresser Messier N 150/750 Dobson! With this large mirror aperture, the telescope captures an astonishing amount of light, allowing faint deep-sky objects such as distant nebulae and star clusters to appear clearly and in detail. Thanks to the included 10 mm and 25 mm eyepieces, you can quickly switch between a wide overview and a sharp close-up of the moon, while using the red-dot viewfinder and the rotating star map will find its way to you in no time at all along the night sky.
The compact Dobsonian mount eliminates the need for a heavy tripod and ensures a robust, vibration-free experience. Simply place it on a table or a raised surface in your garden and smoothly hand-guide it to any desired object. An ideal, frustration-free telescope for those seeking maximum mirror size in a clever and handy design. You can find more of these light cannons in our category Dobson telescopes.
Please note: This telescope is not always immediately available. For a similar alternative, please see the Sky-Watcher 150P also a similar favorite of ours!
Omegon 150/750 Newton EQ-3 – €339,- euro
Placing the same powerful 150mm aperture on a full-fledged, manually guided tripod makes the Omegon 150/750 Newton EQ-3 an absolute favorite in this segment! The two included eyepieces and the 2x Barlow lens immediately give you a wide selection of magnifications for scanning wide star fields as well as zooming in on Jupiter's cloud bands and Saturn's rings. The red-dot finder helps you get objects in your sights quickly.
The big advantage is the EQ-3 equatorial mount. By aligning the mount's axis with the polar star, you compensate for the Earth's rotation with a simple turn of the fine adjustment knobs. This keeps the object perfectly centered in your eyepiece, which is essential at high magnifications. A solid and classic setup for the serious beginner who wants to learn to track the sky accurately.
Bresser Messier 102/600 Refractor Hexafoc Nano AZ - €459 EUR
An impressive 102 mm lens opening combined with a wide field of view and unique accessories for day and night; that is the Bresser Messier 102/600 Refractor! Where most telescopes stop as soon as the sun rises, this model comes with a certified solar filter, So you can study sunspots perfectly safely during the day. At night, the large, glass lens ensures a razor-sharp and contrast-rich view of expansive nebulae and star clusters. The included 26 mm eyepiece and 90° zenith mirror guarantee a comfortable viewing position, no matter how high the object is positioned.
The telescope is equipped with the high-quality Hexafoc focuser for extremely precise focusing, and rests on a stable, stainless steel tripod. You aim the scope very easily by hand using the 6×30 optical finder. The perfect choice for those looking for a strong refractor telescope with a wide field of view for universal use.
DWARF Mini – €385,- euro
Packing fully automated smart technology into a device that easily fits in your jacket pocket: meet the DWARF mini smart telescope! This ultra-compact tech marvel turns traditional stargazing on its head and lets you capture impressive photos via your smartphone within minutes. Equipped with both a telephoto and a wide-angle lens, internal filters, and an included solar filter, you seamlessly switch between photographing daytime birds, the sun, or distant nebulae at night onto the 64 GB storage.
You don't need any knowledge of mounts or constellations; the DWARF mini searches, tracks, and photographs objects completely autonomously via the app. It is the ultimate gadget for the modern explorer or photographer who wants immediate results without complicated setups. Feel free to compare it with the other models in our category. smart telescopes. If you’re unsure between the Mini and the larger DWARF 3, read on. DWARF 3 vs DWARF Mini, Which we have both tested ourselves.
Omegon Advanced X N 152/1200 - €379 EUR
Combining a massive brand focal length of 1200 mm with a flawlessly clear 152 mm parabolic primary mirror: that makes the Omegon Advanced X N 152/1200 Dobson the ultimate detail-hunter! Thanks to its extra-long tube, this telescope excels in contrast and high magnifications. When used with the included 25 mm Plössl eyepiece, you can bring planets like Mars and Saturn—as well as compact deep-sky objects such as the Ring Nebula—into breathtakingly sharp and clear view. The 6×30 optical finder helps you pinpoint your targets with precision.
The telescope rests on a full-fledged Dobsonian floor mount, known for its unparalleled stability. Vibrations are virtually a thing of the past; you simply push the tube by hand in the right direction, and it immediately stays rock-solid. This is the absolute favorite for the purist who, for this budget, simply demands the very best images of planets and nebulae.
Bresser Messier 90mm Refractor - €319.00
Combining a traditional, long focal length with extremely stable and easy operation: that's what the Bresser Messier 90/900 Refractor Nano AZ offers! This complete beginner's set features a 90 mm glass lens aperture and a focal length of 900 mm. This combination is specifically designed to eliminate chromatic aberration and deliver razor-sharp contrast, which is immediately noticeable when observing lunar craters or Jupiter's cloud bands. With the included eyepiece and optical finder, you're ready to go right away.
The telescope rests on a robust tripod with the stable Nano AZ mount, allowing you to intuitively and smoothly guide the viewer in any direction by hand. No complicated settings or technical knowledge required; the Messier 90/900 offers a reliable, classic, and frustration-free experience for the whole family.
Bresser Pollux 150/1400 Newton EQ-3 - €369.00 EUR
Maximum focal length in a compact tube: the Bresser Pollux 150/1400 combines a large 150 mm mirror with a focal length of no less than 1400 mm. This combination makes it a true specialist for the moon and planets: high magnifications are within reach, allowing you to see lunar craters, the rings of Saturn and the cloud bands of Jupiter in detail. Thanks to the included certified solar filter, you can also look safely at sunspots during the day: two hobbies in one instrument.
The telescope is mounted on the stable EQ-3 equatorial mount. After a short alignment on the Pole Star, you compensate for the Earth's rotation by turning the fine-tuning knobs, so that the object remains neatly in focus. This is a great advantage especially at high magnifications. A versatile set for anyone who wants to explore the sun, the moon, and the planets.
Sky-Watcher Explorer-130P AZ-Go2 - €475 EUR
A powerful 130 mm parabolic mirror coupled with fully automatic computer-controlled tracking; that makes the Sky-Watcher Explorer-130P AZ-Go2 the ultimate GoTo telescope in its price range! Thanks to the large mirror and the universal 650 mm focal length, you can enjoy bright, wide views of both planets and distant nebulae and star clusters. With the included 10 mm and 25 mm eyepieces and the red-dot finder, you can easily switch between overview shots and sharp close-ups.
The real highlight is the AZ-Go2 GoTo mount on the stainless steel tripod. You simply connect the telescope to your smartphone or tablet via the built-in Wi-Fi. Select an object in the free app, and the telescope will automatically slew to it and track it accurately. No more searching with star charts; this model does the heavy lifting for you, so you can purely enjoy the view.
Need our help?
Choosing your very first telescope can be quite tricky, even with these telescopes lined up. Are you unsure whether a model will fit on your small balcony, or do you want to be sure your children can operate it independently? You don't have to figure it out on your own. Come by appointment in Sneek, or contact us! If you'd rather take a moment to read up, check out our Astronomy Knowledge Base and you find your subject!
Prefer to compare first? Check out the best telescopes under 100 euros and under 300 euros, or read our complete Telescope Buying Guide for Beginners.
Are you ordering from Belgium? That works exactly the same as for Dutch customers, with Bancontact and delivery within two working days. On the page buy telescope in Belgium read everything about shipping, payment, and warranty.
