Meade telescopes radiate astronomy superiority across the Globe. In the beginning they were formed in Irvine, California; Meade Instruments Corporation make telescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, microscopes, CCD cameras and telescope accessories which are retailed across the Globe to amateur and professional astronomers alike.

Meade were founded in nineteen seventy-two by John Diebel. They began as a mail order retailer of small refracting telescopes and telescope accessories. The vendor soon expanded the business into the Schimidt-Cassegrain niche that had up until then had been ruled by the Celestron Corporation. Meade has continued increasing the size of corporations portfolio until it is at this time quite possibly the World's number one telescope maker. Near the beginning of 2008 they relocated their manufacturing service across the border into Mexico.

This modern production facility is two times the size of the Irvine factory at 70, 000 square feet. Its function, to build Meade telescopes models like the LX200-ACF, the LX90-ACF, Coronado and many more. The Mexico plant is totally owned and managed by Meade which guarantees that they have total control of the quality of their telescopes.

Deciding which Meade Telescope is right for your astronomical expertise is crucial to make certain you get both value for money and years of observing pleasure.

You might wish to ask yourself the question:

1. What will the telescope be used for? Astronomical observing? Terrestrial observing? Both?

First time purchasers usually wish to see the complete series of astronomical and terrestrial objects. There are a number of refracting Meade telescopes which are able to deliver fantastic images in varying land and astronomical scenarios.

If your requirements in land-viewing and astronomy are approximately of identical significance, then one of these models will possibly be the instrument of choice. As a Meade telescope exclusively for terrestrial viewing, the ETX Spotting Scope is one of the best scopes ever produced. If though your requirements are solely for astronomy, then the Meade telescopes of the ETX series, LXD series and the Lightbridge series will be your preference.

Reflecting telescopes in the main represent the largest telescope aperture available per $ of cost. Mirror-lens Meade telescopes are the most all round of all optical designs: it is this all-roundness, combined with premier image resolution together with portability, that have made Meade Telescopes much better than other makers on the market.

2. How serious are my astronomical pursuits?

The majority of the skilled amateur astronomers started out with a 60mm Meade refractor telescope. Meade telescopes with a 60mm aperture are ideal for someone who wishes to undertake astronomy for the first time. However, if this initial eagerness remains after 12 months, it may be time to contemplate getting a more substantial telescope like one in the ETX series. These larger Meade Telescopes give much clearer detailed celestial objects.

For the more advanced amateur astronomer who would like to purchase one telescope for a lifetime, the Meade Telescopes in the LXD series; LXD, LXD200GPS or the LXD 400 are exceptional options. It is unusual for an observer to require a telescope with an aperture size of larger than 8 inches therefore, the LXD range will be very acceptable.

3. What can I afford?

If your budget is sufficient, you may wish to opt at the earliest opportunity for a bigger aperture sized Meade Telescope. If like me you are passionate about astronomy you will realize stargazing will continue for your lifetime and you may wish to get the biggest telescope your finances allow.

Meade telescope model NGC-60 is a great starting telescope however the Model DS-2114ATS gathers greater than three times as much light for a slightly greater expenditure. The Model DS-2070AT possesses an impressive level of observable detail, but the Meade ETX-90AT Telescope, at only a slightly higher price, allows for unprecedented portability. The 5inch diameter Meade Model LXD55- AR5 Refracting telescope is a high-resolution telescope by any standard, but the model LXD55-SN10 Schmidt-Newtonian telescope at a slightly higher price, collects four times as much light and has four times the resolving capability of the LXD55-AR5.

In summary, we do not wish you to go out and spend a lot on a Meade telescope with greater capability than what you need. We do however deem that researching your product prior to you commit to buy will give you many years of viewing pleasure.