Meade Instruments have a long reputation for being at the forefront of innovative telescope design. They continue to add to their impressive list of “firsts” in areas of computer control, flexible mounts, advanced optical design and improvements to their lines aimed at those starting out in astronomy. Meade also offers the Coronado range of solar telescopes and accessories, making it the world’s #1 choice for observing and imaging our nearest star – The Sun.

Meade Instruments was founded in 1972 by John Diebel. It was started as a one man mail order business, supplying small refracting telescopes. The first Meade advertisement appeared in the July 1972 issue of Sky and Telescope. The business eventually grew to offer a variety of accessories such as eyepieces, adapters, focusers and filters. John was a visionary who was determined to provide the amateur astronomers with quality products at a reasonable price and great consumer experience. As the business grew, Meade

Instruments started to enter the world of telescope manufacturing as they introduced the first commercially available 8” Schmidt Cassegrain telescope with a worm drive (for more accurate tracking), the Meade Model 2080, in September of 1980. From this point, Meade innovation took off.

In the decades after, Meade introduced countless innovations and firsts in the world of amateur astronomy. Of the most notable introductions, the LX200 line was first introduced in 1992 and the ETX series was introduced in 1999.

In 2004, Meade Instruments acquired the Coronado brand of solar telescopes. These highly specialized hydrogen alpha telescopes produces detailed images of solar prominences and flares, and continues to be unmatched in the marketplace.

Along the way, Meade developed technologies that made astronomy easy and fun. The advancement of telescope technology made it possible to learn and view the celestial wonders of the nightsky the first time out. The LightSwitch (LS) telescope series, introduced in 2009, is the first true one touch technology telescope. As amateur astronomy grows, and technology advances, the interests begin to branch out into visual and imaging activities. In 2012, Meade Instruments introduced the LX850 and the LX600 to cater to the advanced astro imagers.

Meade Instruments has built its reputation and its products through ground-breaking, industry-leading innovation and precision optics, the hallmark of Meade superiority. You’ll find that on every product we make. Meade Instruments is adding technology to all of our products to make them easier and more fun to use. At Meade, we believe in providing a remarkable experience, using technology to make astronomy accessible and enjoyable to everyone, regardless of your experience level.