Optics

Binoculars

• budget: Celestron Cometron (7x50)
• standard: Vortex Diamondback HD / Monarch M5 / Nikon Prostaff P7
  • smaller: 8x32 or 8x42
  • larger: 10x42

The Vortex Crossfire HD are a bit cheaper than the Diamondback for a reduction in quality. If the Diamondback is too expensive, the Crossfire HD is a good option.

The Prostaff P3 lacks dielectric coatings compared to the P7, meaning image quality is reduced. If you find it for much cheaper in your region, it might be a good option.

The Monarch 5 also lacks dielectric coatings as well compared to the M5, which mean that image quality is reduced. Again, if you find it for significantly cheaper, it might be a decent option.

Telescopes

• cheaper (tabletop): Sky-Watcher Heritage 150
• cheaper: 6” Dobsonian telescope
  • e.g. Sky-Watcher 6” Classic Dob / Aputura AD6 Dobsonian
• better: 8” Dobsonian telescope
  • e.g. Sky-Watcher 8” Classic Dob / Aputura AD8 Dobsonian