Our gear recommendations
Honest, tested picks to get started under the night sky — from binoculars to your first telescope. Each links to the full comparison and buying guide.
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Telescopes
For planets, the Moon and first deep-sky objects. More aperture shows more detail.
Dobsonian 150/1200
Best for: Best all-rounder for beginners
Pros
- Lots of aperture for the money
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Takes up some space
from 219 EUR View at partner
Refractor 70/700
Best for: Moon, planets and travel
Pros
- Light and portable
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Limited aperture for deep-sky
from 119 EUR View at partner
Newtonian 130/650
Best for: Versatile middle ground
Pros
- Good compromise
- Solid mount
Cons
- Needs collimation
from 189 EUR View at partner
Binoculars
Often the best first step: light, ready in seconds and ideal for the Moon, star clusters and the Milky Way.
Binoculars 10x50
Best for: Best all-rounder for the night sky
Pros
- Lots of light for little money
- Still steady in the hand
Cons
- A bit heavier than an 8x42
from 89 EUR View at partner
Binoculars 8x42
Best for: Light and on the go
Pros
- Compact and light
- Very steady image
Cons
- Less light for deep-sky
from 119 EUR View at partner
Binoculars 15x70
Best for: Faint nebulae and star clusters
Pros
- Large aperture, lots of light
- Ideal on a tripod
Cons
- Too heavy for the free hand
from 139 EUR View at partner