Meade Instruments is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Watsonville, California, that manufactures, imports, and distributes telescopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, microscopes, CCD cameras, and telescope accessories for the consumer market. It is the world’s largest telescope producer.
Meade is a brand name that has become virtually indistinguishable from telescopes of exceptional quality. Since its inception in 1972, the firm has made it its mission to develop and manufacture innovative and reliable telescopes, catering to the requirements of astronomers of all skill levels.
Meade Instruments’ reputation and product line are built on industry-leading, ground-breaking innovation and perfect optics, which are Meade’s trademarks. All of Meade Instruments’ products are being enhanced with technology to make them simpler and more enjoyable to use. Regardless of one’s degree of skill, Meade firmly believes in delivering an excellent experience by employing technology to make astronomy available and enjoyable for everyone. Here is a guide to Meade telescopes.
In addition to selling under the “Meade” brand, the company also sells solar telescopes under the “Coronado” brand.
History
In 1972, Meade Instruments was established by John C. Diebel in 1972. It began as a one-person mail-order business that sold modest refracting telescopes. The first Meade advertisement appeared in Sky and Telescope’s July 1972 issue. Eventually, the company expanded to include a variety of accessories, including eyepieces, adapters, focusers, and filters. John was a visionary motivated to give amateur astronomers high-quality, competitively priced items and a fantastic customer experience.
In the same year, the Company’s earliest models included the 200 and 300 Series, priced between $60 and $250. They imported from Japan small refracting telescopes measuring 2″ to 3″. Tripods and eyepieces on equatorial and altazimuth mounts are included.
In 1980, with the expansion of their enterprise, Meade Instruments ventured into the realm of telescope production. In September of 1980, they unveiled their inaugural commercially accessible 8″ Schmidt Cassegrain telescope, the Meade Model 2080, which boasted a worm drive for enhanced precision in tracking. From this point forward, the innovation of Meade soared.
The company entered the market for Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes in 1980, which Celestron Corporation previously controlled. Meade has a long history of legal disputes with other businesses regarding patent infringement, especially with its formerly bitter rival, Celestron.
In 1986, the founding stockholder sold the company and In 1991, The founding stockholder and senior management repurchased the company.
Meade adjusted the optical surfaces of their series of Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes in August 2008 under a design they refer to as “Advanced Coma-Free Optics” (ACF Optics).
In the 1990s, 16542 Millikan Avenue in Irvine was utilized as a production location. Then later, Meade production was relocated to a newly built facility in Irvine at 6001 Oak Canyon. Up until 2009, the Oak Canyon factory was in operation, but production was then transferred to a larger plant in Tijuana, Mexico.
Chinese company Ningbo Sunny Electronic and Meade Instruments merged in October 2013, with Joseph Lupica taking over as CEO of Meade. Victor Aniceto succeeded Lupica as president in February 2015.
Meade Instruments Corporation, co-defendant, and Meade owner Ningbo Sunny Electronic Company, Ltd., came before a jury trial in US Federal Court in November 2019. Based on Orion’s plaintiff’s claims, the jury unanimously decided that the defendants (Meade and Ningbo Sunny) should be found accountable.
In December 2019, Meade Instruments Corp.’s owner and co-defendant, Ningbo Sunny Electronic Co., Ltd., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for Meade.
In March 2020, Covid-19 had a detrimental influence on the supply chain, warehouses, and production operations.
In 2021, the company launched the process of re-shoring the factory’s raw material and component supply chain back to North America, continuing the production of ACF mirror blanks specifically for Meade in the USA.
In 2022, the company celebrated its 50th anniversary. And in 2023, new reseller partners have been secured in the United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland, and Spain. They also prepared Meade Full Aperture Glass Solar Filters and Coronado Solar Telescopes for the October 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse, which will be viewable across a wide area of North, Central, and South America.
Products
The following are examples of products created by Meade:
Telescopes
- Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) Telescopes
- Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescopes
- Newtonian Reflector Telescopes
- Refractor Telescopes
- Telescope Optical Tube Assemblies
- Solar Telescopes
- Computerized Telescopes
Binoculars
- Astronomy Binoculars
- Birding Binoculars
Eyepieces
- Telescope Eyepieces
- Solar Telescope Eyepieces
- Telescope Eyepiece Accessories
Astrophotography
- Astrophotography Telescopes
- Astrophotography Accessories
Solar
- Coronado H-Alpha Solar Telescopes
- Coronado Telescope Eyepieces and Filters
- Coronado Solar Accessories
- Meade White-Light Solar Telescope Filters
Accessories and More
- Mounts and Tripods
- Mount and Tripod Accessories
- Telescope and Eyepiece Filters
- Telescope Carry Bags, Covers, and Cases
- Astronomical Maps and Charts
- Power Supplies and Cables
- Computer Connector Cables
- General Accessories
- LX85 Series
Logo
Meade Instruments Corporation is a well-known name in the telescope industry, and its logo is recognizable to enthusiasts worldwide. The logo’s simple yet elegant design has played a vital role in the company’s brand identity and reputation.
The Meade logo features a stylized representation of the night sky with a starburst emanating from a central point. This simple and elegant design communicates the brand’s focus on astronomy and stargazing. The choice of colors for the logo is also significant. The dark blue background represents the night sky, while the white starburst symbolizes the light that shines in the darkness. This imagery creates a powerful association between the brand and the wonder and beauty of the universe.
The Meade logo consists of the company name in bold, uppercase letters, with a stylized “M” forming the centerpiece. The “M” resembles a telescope eyepiece, with a curved line extending from the top left of the letter and tapering off to a point. The overall effect is modernity and innovation, with a nod to the company’s primary product.
The Meade logo has remained relatively unchanged since its inception, which has helped to reinforce the company’s brand identity and recognition. The logo has been used consistently across the company’s products, marketing materials, and communications, ensuring a cohesive and recognizable brand image.
The Meade logo symbolizes the company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and accessibility. The simple yet striking design has helped to establish the brand’s identity and reputation in the telescope industry and has remained consistent over the years. The logo serves as a reminder of the company’s roots in the industry while conveying a sense of modernity and authority. Overall, the Meade logo is an essential part of the company’s brand and continues to play a crucial role in its success.
Conclusion
The Meade logo and brand represent a commitment to innovation, quality, passion for astronomy, and the wonder of the night sky. As technology continues to advance, Meade will no doubt continue to lead the way in the field of astronomy and stargazing. Whether you are a novice or an experienced astronomer, Meade has the telescopes and expertise to help you explore the universe. For over 40 years, the company has been dedicated to providing customers with telescopes that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Meade is a brand that astronomers around the world trust, and its logo symbolizes that trust.