This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
If you’re an amateur astronomy enthusiast, an aspiring astronomer, or a seasoned stargazer, the question you’ve probably asked yourself is: Which telescope should I buy?
The answer might be simpler than you think. However, all telescopes are not created equal. Differences in specifications, features, and pricing can significantly impact your astronomical experience.
Meade, a well-established telescope brand with a rich history of optical innovation, has been a prominent player in the astronomy community for decades. Renowned for their commitment to quality and precision, Meade telescopes have garnered the trust of amateur astronomers, professionals, and educators worldwide.
The brand’s extensive lineup includes an impressive variety of telescope models, each meticulously crafted to cater to diverse needs and budgets.
If you’re interested in deep sky imaging, planetary imaging, or merely seeking a budget-friendly beginner telescope, rest assured you’ll find a Meade telescope that matches your interests.
This article aims to guide you through the lineup of Meade telescopes, helping you identify the model that fits you perfectly.
| Model | Aperture | Mount type | Focal length | Notable Features |
| Meade ETX60AT Telescope | 60mm | Altazimuth | 350mm | Comes with AutoStar Suite Astronomer Edition Software, Lightweight and portable |
| Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope | 70mm | Altazimuth | 700mm | Great for beginners, Comes with three eyepieces |
| Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Portable Refracting Telescope | 80mm | Altazimuth | 400mm | Lightweight, Comes with three eyepieces, Suitable for beginners |
| Meade Instruments – ETX80 Observer | 80mm | Altazimuth | 400mm | Includes backpack for portability, Computerized GoTo mount, AudioStar controller with speaker |
| Meade Instruments Infinity 90mm Portable Refracting Telescope | 90mm | Altazimuth | 600mm | Easy to set up, Good for viewing both land and celestial objects |
| Meade Instruments ETX90 Observer Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope | 90mm | Forks | 1250mm | Maksutov-Cassegrain design for sharp images, Portable, GoTo mount, Comes with AudioStar controller |
| Meade Instruments – ETX125 Observer – 127mm Aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope | 127mm | Forks | 1900mm | Compact and portable, GoTo mount, Maksutov-Cassegrain design for sharp images |
| Meade Instruments 228001 Lx65 5″ Maksutov-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope | 127mm | Altazimuth | 1900mm | Maksutov-Cassegrain design for clear images, GoTo mount, Comes with AudioStar controller |
| Meade Instruments – Polaris 130mm German Equatorial Reflector | 130mm | Equatorial | 650mm | High aperture for clear images, Stable Equatorial mount |
| Meade Instruments – LX85 6″ Reflector Telescope | 152mm | German Equatorial | 750mm | Reflector design for bright images, GoTo mount for easy tracking, Comes with AudioStar controller |
| Meade Instruments LX85 8″ ACF Telescope | 203mm | German Equatorial | 1650mm | Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics for crisp images, GoTo mount for easy tracking |
| Meade Instruments – LX90-AC | 203mm | Forks | 2000mm | Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics for clear images, GPS, GoTo mount, Suitable for advanced users |
| Meade Instruments – LX65 8″ ACF Telescope | 203mm | Altazimuth | 2032mm | Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, GoTo mount, Single-arm mount with integrated handle for easy transport |
| Meade Instruments – LX90 10″ ACF Telescope | 254mm | Forks | 2000mm | Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, GPS, GoTo mount, High resolution for clear planetary viewing |
| Meade Instruments – LX200-ACF 10 inch | 254mm | Forks | 2500mm | Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, GPS, GoTo mount, High-resolution imaging |
| Meade Instruments-LX600-ACF 12-inch | 304mm | Altazimuth | 2438mm | Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, StarLock full-time automatic guiding system for precise tracking |
| Meade Instruments LX200-ACF 12-Inch Telescope | 304mm | Forks | 3048mm | Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, GPS, GoTo mount, High resolution, Suitable for serious astronomer |
| Meade 14″ LX850-ACF (f/8) Telescope | 355mm | German Equatorial | 2845mm | Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, StarLock full-time automatic guiding system for precise tracking, High resolution for deep sky observing |
Best budget Meade telescope models
Astronomy doesn’t need to be an expensive hobby. You don’t have to invest a small fortune in a high-end telescope to explore the cosmic wonders.
Let’s look at Meade telescope models that deliver stellar performance without demanding a hefty price tag.
Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope
Designed for amateur astronomers who prioritize value for money, the Meade Instruments Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope delivers high performance at a budget-friendly price. This entry-level telescope sports an aperture of 70mm.
The aperture’s size plays a crucial role in determining the amount of light the telescope can capture.
With 70mm, it’s well-equipped to offer bright, detailed views of celestial bodies, making it ideally suited for viewing the moon, planets, and even some deep sky objects.
The model’s slow-motion control and alt-azimuth mount make tracking easy, ensuring the telescope stays focused on your subject of interest as it moves across the night sky.
Its OTA (optical tube assembly) also comes with a rack-and-pinion focuser, providing smooth, precise adjustments for a finely-tuned, detailed image.
The Meade Infinity 70mm AZ Refractor Telescope strikes an exceptional balance between cost, capabilities, and user-friendly features for amateur astronomers taking their first steps into the vast universe.
Read the complete review: Meade Infinity 70mm Telescope Review
Meade Instruments – Polaris 130mm German Equatorial Reflector
The Polaris 130mm German Equatorial Reflector, another gem from Meade Instruments, is designed with beginners in mind. With its significant 130mm aperture, this model captures plenty of light.
It delivers clear, bright, and detailed views of a wide range of celestial bodies, including lunar details, planetary images, and even some deep-sky objects like nebulae and galaxies.
The German equatorial mount is a notable feature, providing smooth tracking capabilities. Tracking celestial bodies as they move across the sky becomes easy, allowing beginners to focus on the beauty and not the technicalities.
The included software makes this telescope a complete educational tool, offering amateur astronomers a platform to learn about various celestial bodies.
Meade ETX60AT Telescope
The Meade ETX-60 AT, once a highly sought-after telescope, is no longer available for purchase directly from Meade. However, it continues to maintain its popularity, as you can easily locate it in pawn shops or various online marketplaces specializing in used telescopes.
Starting with its optics, the ETX60AT is a refractor telescope with a 60mm aperture.
The smaller aperture size may not capture as much light as larger models, but it’s still more than capable of providing clear and detailed views of the moon, planets, and some brighter deep sky objects.
Its ultra-high transmission coatings increase light transmission, enhancing the overall image quality and detail.
For more on this telescope, read the complete review: Meade ETX 60 AT Review (Read This First!)
Best Meade telescopes for beginners
A telescope can be an exciting tool for anyone looking to explore the cosmos, but for a beginner, the array of options can be daunting.
Thankfully, Meade offers a variety of models that are perfect for those who are new to amateur astronomy.
These telescopes offer the right balance of functionality, ease of use, and affordability, making them an excellent starting point for any novice stargazer.
Let’s examine them in detail.
Meade Instruments Infinity 90mm Portable Refracting Telescope
The Meade Instruments Infinity 90mm refracting telescope is a good option. This beginner-friendly optical instrument is a great investment for amateur astronomers, offering a high-quality entry point into the world of telescopes.
The Infinity 90mm aperture can capture more light, illuminate celestial bodies, and reveal intricate details of deep sky objects and planetary nebulae.
The sturdy altazimuth mount ensures a steady view, which, when combined with the telescope’s resolving power, ensures breathtaking images of the moon, planets, and beyond.
Featuring slow-motion controls, the Infinity 90mm allows for precise tracking, an invaluable feature for beginner astronomers learning to navigate the night sky.
The telescope also comes with three eyepieces, each providing different levels of magnification, allowing you to explore a range of celestial objects with ease.
Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm Portable Refracting Telescope
The Meade Instruments Infinity 80mm, an ideal telescope for kids and beginners, serves as a user-friendly optical tube that unlocks the gateways to exploring the universe.
Its 80mm aperture size gathers ample light to provide bright, clear images of lunar landscapes, planetary images, and even some deep sky objects.
The Infinity 80mm features an easy-to-use altazimuth mount, perfect for beginners or younger users, and slow-motion controls, allowing smooth and precise tracking of celestial bodies across the sky.
The telescope also boasts three eyepieces with different magnification levels, allowing you to tailor your viewing experience to the subject at hand.
The Infinity 80mm’s balance of quality optics and user-friendly setup make it an ideal choice for those starting their journey into amateur astronomy, offering the ability to capture the beauty of the cosmos from the comfort of your backyard.
Meade Instruments – ETX80 Observer
Meade’s ETX80 Observer is a versatile and portable telescope that’s well-suited to beginners. This refractor telescope comes with an 80mm aperture, offering bright views of the moon, planets, and even some deep-sky objects.
The ETX80 Observer features an AudioStar hand controller with over 30,000 celestial objects in its database.
This makes it easy for beginners to locate and explore different celestial bodies without needing to know their exact positions.
The included backpack holds the telescope, tripod, and all accessories, making it perfect for impromptu observing sessions or for travel.
Meade Instruments LX85 8″ ACF Telescope
The Meade Instruments LX85 8″ ACF is a versatile choice, suitable for beginners stepping into the realm of serious astronomy. This 8″ Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) telescope combines superior optical capabilities with user-friendly operation, making it an excellent entry-level instrument for amateur astronomy.
The LX85 8″ ACF features Meade’s UHTC, enhancing the telescope’s light-gathering ability and providing brighter, more detailed views of the moon, planets, and other celestial objects.
With its GoTo Mount and AudioStar controller, beginners will find it easy to locate and track over 30,000 celestial objects.
This setup ensures a hassle-free viewing experience and allows even novice stargazers to capture remarkable images of the night sky.
Best Meade telescopes for astrophotography
Astrophotography has emerged as a popular hobby, with more and more people looking to capture their own breathtaking images of celestial objects.
Meade offers a selection of telescopes ideally suited for this exciting endeavor.
These models come with features such as tracking mounts and high-resolution optics that enable you to capture detailed and mesmerizing shots of planets, galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky objects.
Let’s discuss them in detail.
Meade Instruments – LX90-ACF
The LX90-ACF is a powerful choice for astrophotographers. Its Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical system virtually eliminates coma, resulting in pinpoint star images and extraordinary detail.
The 8-inch aperture allows for excellent light-gathering capabilities, allowing you to capture stunning images of deep-sky objects.
The LX90-ACF also features an integrated GPS module for automatic alignment and precise tracking, critical for capturing clear, long-exposure images.
Additionally, the Ultra High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) on the optics improve light transmission for brighter, sharper images, making this model a robust tool for astrophotography.
Meade Instruments – LX200-ACF
The LX200-ACF is another top-tier option for astrophotography, boasting a larger 10-inch aperture for even better light-gathering power.
The ACF optics, combined with Meade’s UHTC, deliver crisp, bright images that are sure to impress.
Like the LX90, the LX200-ACF includes an integrated GPS for easy alignment and GoTo capabilities.
Additionally, it has a heavy-duty fork mount with high-precision gears and a locking clasp for added stability during long exposure photography.
This feature, along with the superior resolving power of the LX200-ACF, makes it a competent tool for capturing stunning images of deep-sky objects.
Meade Instruments-LX600-ACF 12-inch
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line astrophotography experience, look no further than the LX600-ACF 12-inch. With a substantial 12-inch aperture and ACF optics with UHTC, this model is designed to create awe-inspiring images of the night sky.
The LX600-ACF comes with a StarLock system that offers full-time automatic guiding and high-precision pointing, essential features for long-exposure astrophotography.
Its robust mount also provides a stable base for capturing detailed images of celestial objects.
The LX600-ACF represents the pinnacle of Meade’s offerings for astrophotography, and it’s perfect for those seeking the very best in their astro-imaging setups.
Meade Instruments – ETX125 Observer – 127mm Aperture Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
For astrophotographers and amateur astronomers seeking enhanced optical capabilities, the Meade Instruments ETX125 Observer is an ideal choice.
This Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope boasts a substantial 127mm aperture, allowing for the collection of ample light to capture detailed planetary images and deep sky imaging.
The telescope’s Ultra High Transmission Coatings (UHTC) enhance its performance, enabling it to deliver images with remarkable detail and clarity.
Its optical tube assembly is supported by a sturdy fork mount that ensures steady tracking, essential for capturing sharp astrophotography images.
With an audio star controller providing an extensive library of over 30,000 celestial objects, users can take full advantage of its GoTo capabilities, automating the tracking of celestial objects.
Equipped with this telescope, astrophotographers can easily capture impressive images of deep sky objects, planetary nebulae, and other celestial marvels.
This kit also includes a solar filter to allow safe observations of the sun in white light during the day.
Meade Instruments LX200-ACF 12-Inch Telescope
Meade Instruments LX200-ACF 12-inch is an exceptional choice for both amateur astronomers and serious astrophotographers. Its Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optical design and substantial 12-inch aperture provide sharp, flat field images, making it ideal for capturing stunning planetary images and engaging in deep sky imaging.
It features Meade’s Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC), which significantly improve the performance of the optical system.
Combined with the powerful light-gathering capabilities of the large 12-inch aperture, the telescope produces vivid, detailed images of deep sky objects, planetary nebulae, and more.
The LX200-ACF comes with a GoTo mount that holds a database of over 145,000 celestial objects, ensuring that you’ll never run out of fascinating sights to capture.
Best Meade telescopes for deep sky objects
Deep sky imaging is a fascinating aspect of amateur astronomy, providing breathtaking views of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters that are far beyond our solar system.
Meade’s line of telescopes offers powerful instruments that bring these distant celestial wonders within reach, allowing you to observe and study them in stunning detail.
Let’s discuss the telescopes under this category.
Meade Instruments – LX65 8″ ACF Telescope
The LX65 8″ ACF Telescope from Meade Instruments is a versatile choice for those with a keen interest in deep-sky imaging. The Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics and 8-inch aperture offer stunning clarity and light-gathering power, making it possible to observe even faint deep sky objects in high resolution.
Equipped with a single-arm mount, it features an AudioStar hand controller with over 30,000 celestial objects in its database.
It’s the perfect companion for those chilly nights under the stars, unlocking the beauty of deep space like never before.
Meade Instruments – LX85 6″ Reflector Telescope
The LX85 6″ Reflector is another impressive option from Meade Instruments. With a sizable 6-inch aperture and a 1000mm focal length, it offers sharp, detailed images of a wide range of celestial objects, including distant galaxies and nebulae.
Its German Equatorial Mount provides accurate tracking, which is crucial for deep sky imaging.
The included AudioStar hand controller offers a comprehensive database of over 30,000 celestial objects, ensuring you’ll never run out of deep-sky objects to observe.
Meade 14″ LX850-ACF (f/8) Telescope
When it comes to capturing beautiful images of deep sky objects, the Meade 14″ LX850-ACF is a true masterpiece. This Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) telescope, featuring a generous 14″ aperture, has the power to reveal the faintest of celestial bodies in the night sky.
Enhanced with Meade’s Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC), the LX850-ACF offers excellent light transmission, providing you with bright and clear images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and other deep-sky entities.
The 14″ aperture gathers more light, enabling detailed observation of objects like the Orion Nebula, the Ring Nebula, and various other deep sky phenomena.
It’s equipped with a solid mount and advanced GPS features to ensure precise tracking, a critical element for deep sky imaging.
The LX850-ACF is an investment in your astronomical journey, opening the universe to your backyard.
Best Meade telescopes for planetary viewing
Exploring the solar system in your backyard can be an enriching experience.
Whether it’s capturing Saturn’s majestic rings or Mars’s surface details, planetary imaging is a great way to delve deeper into the wonders of astronomy.
With Meade’s array of quality telescopes, you can begin a journey across our cosmic neighborhood and marvel at the sheer beauty of our planetary companions.
Let’s explore them in detail.
Meade Instruments – LX90 10″ ACF Telescope
For more advanced enthusiasts, the LX90 10″ ACF Telescope offers an upgraded experience in planetary imaging. With a substantial 10-inch aperture and Advanced Coma-Free (ACF) optics, this telescope allows you to observe the planets in exquisite detail.
In addition, the LX90 features a computerized altazimuth mount and an AudioStar hand controller, offering precise tracking of over 30,000 celestial objects.
This ensures that you won’t miss any of the fascinating details as you explore the planets in our solar system.
Meade Instruments ETX90 Observer Maksutov-Cassegrain Telescope
The Meade Instruments ETX90 Observer is an excellent tool for those keen on planetary viewing. This Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope, with its 90mm aperture and impressive focal length, is perfectly suited to produce detailed images of Jupiter, Saturn, and other planets.
The ETX90 Observer includes the AudioStar hand controller, boasting a database of over 30,000 celestial objects.
With its computerized GoTo mount, you can effortlessly find and track your celestial subject of interest, whether it’s the moon, planets, or even distant galaxies.
The compact and portable design of the ETX90 makes it a perfect companion for stargazing trips.
Its slow-motion controls allow for precise adjustments, ensuring a smooth viewing experience.
The ETX-90 is also equipped with an integrated flip mirror mechanism, essentially an inbuilt star diagonal that can be flipped to provide a rear port for attaching a DSLR camera.
Meade Instruments 228001 Lx65 5″ Maksutov-Cassegrain Computerized Telescope
Meade Instruments’ Lx65 5″ Maksutov-Cassegrain is an excellent instrument for planetary viewing. This telescope combines the benefits of the Maksutov-Cassegrain optical design with a computerized GoTo system, allowing both beginners and seasoned stargazers to easily locate and observe the wonders of our solar system.
This telescope features a 5″ aperture that captures a significant amount of light.
It is paired with Meade’s Ultra-High Transmission Coatings (UHTC), which optimize light transmission for brighter, clearer images.
Together, these features enable the Lx65 to deliver striking, detailed views of planets like Jupiter, Saturn and their moons, and our own moon’s craters and lunar landscapes.
The Lx65 Maksutov-Cassegrain also shines when observing double stars and planetary nebulae, expanding its range of capabilities beyond the solar system.
Equipped with a user-friendly computerized system, this telescope can locate over 30,000 celestial objects, making it a fantastic tool for exploring the cosmos.
FAQs about Meade telescopes
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Meade telescopes:
Is Meade a good telescope brand?
Meade Instruments is a highly respected brand in the world of amateur astronomy. Known for their quality, innovation, and versatility, Meade telescopes cater to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced hobbyists.
They offer an extensive product line that includes various models designed for different observational purposes, such as planetary imaging, deep sky observation, and astrophotography.
Their telescopes often come equipped with user-friendly features, robust mounts, and cutting-edge software to enhance your stargazing experience.
What happened to the Meade telescope brand?
The company was acquired by Sunny Optics, a part of Ningbo Sunny Electronic Co., Ltd, in 2013, and it continues to produce and develop a wide variety of optical products, including telescopes, microscopes, and binoculars.
Takeaway: Enhance your deep sky imaging, planetary observation, and celestial observations with Meade telescopes
Whether you’re a beginner dipping your toes into the captivating world of stargazing, a seasoned amateur astronomer seeking to capture stunning astrophotography shots or a deep-sky enthusiast, there’s a Meade telescope for you.
From budget-friendly models that offer value without compromising quality to high-end telescopes that bring professional-grade observing capabilities into your backyard, Meade Instruments offers a diverse range of products tailored to your astronomical needs and aspirations.
The brand takes pride in their ultra-high transmission coatings and optical precision, ensuring that every detail of the moon, the planets, and deep sky objects are captured in high-resolution splendor.
You may also like:
