Optics

Binoculars

• budget: Celestron Cometron 7x50 ($32)
• standard: Vortex Diamondback HD / Monarch M5 / Nikon Prostaff P7 ($ depends on model)
  • 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

• budget: binoculars
• cheaper (tabletop): Zhumell Z130 / AWB OneSky (U.S. exclusive) / Sky-Watcher Heritage 150 / Celestron StarSense Explorer 114mm
• cheaper: 6” Dobsonian telescope
• better: 8” Dobsonian telescope
• even better: even larger Dobsonian telescopes