Meade Instruments Telescope

Meade Instruments is one of the most recognized names in amateur astronomy. Founded in 1972 by John Diebel as a mail-order business for small telescopes, the brand quickly evolved into a manufacturing powerhouse known for its innovative Schmidt-Cassegrain designs and computerized mounts.

Historically an American company headquartered in California, Meade's ownership has shifted significantly over the last decade. Following financial challenges, the company was acquired by the Chinese firm Ningbo Sunny Electronic Co., Ltd. in 2013. More recently, in 2021, Orion Telescopes & Binoculars (Optronic Technologies) acquired Meade Instruments after a period of bankruptcy. Today, while the engineering and brand legacy remain rooted in the United States, the majority of the hardware manufacturing is conducted at facilities in China to maintain competitive pricing and scale.