A good telescope doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Anyone looking for a budget telescope between €100 and €300 can already see surprisingly much: from craters on the moon to Saturn’s rings. However, quality differences are significant and unfortunately, so is the risk of making a poor purchase.
In this blog, you’ll learn what to look out for, what you can expect within this budget, and how to easily find the right models using the filters on Telescoop.nl.
👉 View all telescopes under €150, €200 or €300 here
Why a Budget Telescope Can be a Good Idea (if You Know What You’re Doing)
A budget telescope is often the first step into stargazing — and that’s fine, as long as you know what you’re buying. Many models offer enough optical quality to observe the moon and planets. Even some bright deep-sky objects are visible under dark skies.
What you can see with an entry-level model of around €200:
Shadows and craters on the moon
Jupiter as a sphere with moons around it
The rings of Saturn
The Orion Nebula as a light structure with minimal light pollution
Note: these are visual observations. No colors or photo details — you’ll need different equipment for that. If you see these first observations as a training ground, you’ll get the most out of your starting budget.
Which Budget Telescope is Suitable for Planets?
For planet viewing, it’s not about “how much magnification”, but about:
a good lens or mirror aperture (minimum 70 mm for lenses, 100 mm for mirrors)
a stable mount that doesn’t shake
a decent eyepiece (not plastic Huygens-type)
In this price range, compact reflectors and entry-level Dobsonians make the most sense. They offer the best optical value per euro.
Click here to go to:
Can You See Deep-Sky Objects with a Budget Telescope?
Yes, but with limitations. Deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae are much fainter than planets. This means: the larger your aperture (in mm), the better.
Within a budget of up to €400, there are models with which you can find and recognize the Orion Nebula or Andromeda, for example. Don’t expect detail, but see it as a visual discovery journey: learning to navigate with star charts and practicing with contrast.
For deep-sky, dark sky = crucial. Light pollution makes the difference between “nothing” and “fuzzy but visible”.
How much Does a Good Entry-Level Telescope Cost?
That depends on your goal. An overview:
€100 – €200
For the moon, Jupiter, and Saturn. Good to start with. User-friendly but limited in magnification and sharpness.€200 – €400
Better optics, larger aperture. More detail on planets, first deep-sky possible. Ideal for those who want to progress.€400+
For those who want to invest more in image quality right away or are considering astrophotography.
Click here to see the models that fit within your budget:
Frequently Asked Question: Can You Really See Saturn with a Budget Telescope?
Yes. Even with a telescope around €200, you can see Saturn as a small disc with recognizable rings. In steady air and with well-adjusted optics, you can also see Jupiter’s moons and sometimes distinguish the gap between Saturn and its rings.
You’ll need the following:
An aperture of at least 100-130 mm
A decent eyepiece (for example 10 mm or 6 mm)
A stable setup without vibrations
Tips for Choosing a Good Budget Telescope
Determine your goal: moon planets or deep-sky too?
Avoid claims like “600x magnification” — that’s marketing.
More aperture (mm) = more light = better image.
Dobsonians are the best value for visual stargazing.
Always use the filters: sort by price, aperture, and type.
Conclusion: a Budget Telescope is a Smart Start
You don’t need expensive equipment to gaze in wonder at the moon or Jupiter. What you do need is a telescope that matches your goal, expectations, and budget. Choose a model that’s optically sound, stable, and remains expandable.
Telescoop.nl is happy to help you with this: with filters per price category, clear explanations for each product, and a selection guide that helps you know what suits you best within minutes.
View all budget telescopes here and choose wisely — without regret.
