For over 50 years, Meade Instruments has been leading the way in manufacturing high-quality telescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars for both amateur astronomers and professionals alike. Our passion is to provide our customers with the best possible optics for stargazing, birdwatching, or surveying the stunning vistas of planet Earth.
A Legacy of Innovation
Meade was founded in 1972 by John Diebel, an avid amateur astronomer who started handmaking telescopes in his California garage. He named the company after the famous Mount Palomar Observatory in San Diego County.
As demand grew for John’s telescopes, he started mass-producing affordable refractors and reflector telescopes that serious hobbyists could enjoy. Meade’s first commercially available telescope was the AR-3, a 3-inch f/10 achromatic refractor. This simple but versatile telescope design took the market by storm.
In 1976, Meade revolutionized amateur astronomy again with the release of the DK-3, one of the world’s first mass-produced Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. The compact design and computer-assisted pointing system opened the cosmos to a whole new generation.
Over the decades, Meade has continued pushing the boundaries of optical technology and consumer accessibility. We were one of the first manufacturers to use premium extra-low dispersion glass and exotic mirror coatings to increase light transmission. Our commitment to mechanical excellence produced the rock-steady equatorial mounts and tripods necessary for astrophotography.
Today, Meade offers over 100 different telescopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, and accessories. Our catalog includes everything from affordable beginner scopes to 16-inch aperture monsters designed for peerless deep space observation. While the company has grown, our love of astronomy still guides our product development and customer service.
The Meade Difference
What sets Meade apart from other telescope manufacturers? Quality optics, rugged construction, and a passion for science and discovery.
Every Meade telescope, spotting scope, and binocular meets our strict quality control standards. We use the finest components and materials available, including high-density optical glass, strong yet lightweight alloys, precision greased bearings, and soft-touch coatings.
Our optical engineers are experts at balancing light transmission, aberration correction, durability, and cost efficiency. We want Meade products to provide the sharpest, brightest images possible while standing up to real-world use and abuse over decades.
Meade designs are informed by direct feedback from thousands of customers worldwide. Our product testers range from curious kids to astrophysicists, birdwatchers, and safari guides. We listen carefully to their needs and suggestions so that we can constantly improve.
Above all, Meade is guided by a spirit of exploration and wonder. Our mission is to inspire people to observe, ponder, and understand our amazing universe. We exist to awaken curiosity and empower new discoveries, whether in your backyard or on the distant edge of the galaxy.
Meade Product Lines
Meade offers telescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes tailored for a variety of astronomical, terrestrial, and recreational uses.
Telescopes
Our telescope lineup covers every need and budget for skywatchers. Models include:
- Infinity Telescopes – Our beginner line with intuitive controls and crisp views. Perfect for kids and families.
- StarPro AZ – Compact and computerized GoTo telescopes for easy object tracking. Effortless navigation of the night sky.
- Polaris – Large aperature Dobsonian telescopes with enhanced parabolic mirrors for jaw-dropping celestial images.
- StarNavigator NG – Meade’s premium line with professional-level optics and mechanics. Ideal for astrophotography and research.
- ETX Observer – Maksutov-Cassegrain telescopes with legendary Meade optics in a portable package.
- LX65/85/90 – Meade’s flagship series with meticulous hand-figured optics, research-grade pointing accuracy, and gorgeous craftsmanship.
- Solar Telescopes – Specialized instruments for safe solar system observation. Reveal sunspots, flares, and other features.
With so many types available, you’re sure to find the perfect Meade telescope to fulfill your astronomical dreams!
Binoculars
For both sky and nature watching, Meade binoculars are the ideal choice. Our current selection includes:
- MasterClass Pro ED – Flagship astronomy binoculars with extra-low dispersion glass and generous 8×56 or 10×56 aperture.
- CanyonView ED – Midsize binos with ED objective lenses in 32mm or 42mm size. Ideal for hiking and exploration.
- RainForest – Fully waterproof 8×42 or 10×42 roof prism binoculars coated in rubber armor. The best companion for your outdoors adventures.
- Wilderness – Durable, lightweight 8×25 or 10×25 binoculars for travel and sightseeing.
- TravelView – Compact 10×25 binos that fold down for easy packing and storage.
- Mirage – Meade quality at an affordable price. 8×21, 10×21, or 8×42 models available.
Meade binoculars combine state-of-the-art optics, sturdy builds, and sensible ergonomic designs. You’ll enjoy bright, crisp views whether you’re gazing at the planets or spotting birds in flight.
Spotting Scopes
For long distance terrestrial viewing, our spotting scope models deliver unmatched optical clarity:
- ED80T CF – An 80mm aperture extra-low dispersion (ED) spotter with straight-through viewing and a foldable rotating tripod.
- ED80 – 80mm ED optics in a more traditional angled spotting scope format. Also available in 60mm and 100mm aperture sizes.
- TravelView 90/114mm – Lightweight portable spotters with soft carrying cases.
- Wilderness 60/80mm – Straight spotting scopes with fully water/fogproof construction.
Meade spotting scopes excel at studying wildlife, surveying landscapes, and targeting distant objects with extreme precision. All our spotters are optimized to eliminate chromatic aberration and yield bright, high-fidelity viewing – even at top magnification.
Meade Quality Guarantee
We proudly stand behind every telescope, spotting scope, and binocular that bears the Meade name. Our products are engineered to provide a lifetime of enjoyment to users worldwide.
Meade offers a limited lifetime warranty on all our telescopes and binoculars. This protects against defects in materials and workmanship. For normal wear or accidental user damage, we have economical repair/replacement plans available. Please contact our helpful customer service staff for details.
Over 95% of Meade products are manufactured at our state-of-the-art facilities in Mexico and China utilizing the latest technology and strictest QA protocols. Every telescope mirror is hand-inspected and approved by our optical staff before shipment. You are guaranteed to receive a fully functional, accurately aligned instrument ready for action the moment it arrives at your door.
If any issues do arise with a Meade product, we will make things right. Our expert support teams are happy to troubleshoot problems and identify solutions. In the unlikely event a telescope or binocular needs to be returned for service, we’ll make the process quick and hassle-free.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. Please shop with confidence knowing that Meade Instruments stands behind every product we make. We can’t wait to help you explore the cosmos or glimpse the wonders of nature up close!
Customer Testimonials
Don’t just take our word when it comes to Meade quality and service. Thousands of amateur astronomers, birding enthusiasts, and casual stargazers have experienced the Meade difference. Here are firsthand reviews from just a few of the many satisfied Meade customers:
“I bought my first Meade telescope, an AR-3, in 1980 when I was 10 years old. I’ve since graduated to larger Meade reflectors and scopes, but that little AR-3 ignited my lifelong love of astronomy. I just wanted to say thank you!” – Jeremy R., Virginia
“I do a lot of birdwatching in the wetlands near my home. After my old leaky binoculars finally gave out, I invested in a pair of Meade RainForests. Now I can watch for hours, no matter the weather. The bright views make identification so much easier.” – Rebecca T., Louisiana
“Meade has never let me down. I photograph deep space nebulae and galaxies through my 12″ Meade reflector telescope. The images are mind blowing! I’ve had this scope for 15 years now and it still performs like new – proof of Meade’s quality.” – Dr. Andrew P., Arizona
“Our nonprofit astronomy club recently got an educational grant to purchase three Meade ETX-90 telescopes for our weekly public star parties. These scopes are so easy to use! Now we can provide amazing celestial tours to visitors of all ages.” – Michelle S., Minnesota
“I just wanted to reach out and thank you for your excellent customer service. Even though my daughter dropped and dented our new Infinity scope, your repair team fixed it up quick with no hassle. You’ve earned a customer for life!” – Javier M., California
Our Vision for the Future
For over 50 years, Meade Instruments has strived to open up the cosmos to humanity. We firmly believe that a small telescope or binocular can spark a lifelong passion for science and the natural world.
As we look to the future, Meade will continue innovating and sharing the wonders of the universe. We aim to make our products even more powerful, intuitive, and affordable via advanced technologies and manufacturing techniques. Most importantly, we’ll keep listening to your needs so that Meade equipment excels at bringing you closer to the stars for generations to come.
The Milky Way awaits. We hope you’ll choose Meade to guide your celestial journey – both near and far. Feel free to contact us anytime with questions or for advice on picking the perfect telescope, binocular, or spotting scope.
Clear skies and happy viewing!