I absolutely understand what you are saying, Eeyore, and it makes sense, but I agree with what Nightshade suggests too. Sometimes people don't want to spend a lot of people on a new hobby if they don't know if they are going to enjoy it much and may possibly give it up. In that respect cheap equipment which is adequate is a god send.
However, once you have been bitten by the bug it is better to invest in the best you can possibly afford as buying cheap can be false economy in the long run.
My recommendation would be for the Collins gem pocket books too. I have butteflies, insects, birds, mushrooms & toadstools to name just a few. Cheap and easy to pop in a bag or pocket when going out in the field.