For decades, Meade Instruments and Orion Telescopes & Binoculars were two of the most familiar names in amateur astronomy. Many beginners bought their first telescope from these brands, and advanced users relied on products like the Meade LX200, Coronado solar telescopes, Orion Dobsonians, and countless accessories.
But between 2019 and 2024, both companies went through major financial and operational trouble. Today, they are no longer manufacturing new telescopes, and their remaining inventory has been liquidated to retailers.
The Decline of Meade Instruments
Meade filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2019 after losing an antitrust lawsuit involving price fixing. Even after being acquired by Orion’s parent company, operations in California gradually shut down. By mid-2024, reports confirmed that Meade’s U.S. offices were closed and staff were laid off. The brand effectively stopped active production.
What Happened to Orion Telescopes?
Orion, founded in 1975, was primarily a U.S.-based retailer selling telescopes manufactured overseas. In 2024, after supply-chain issues and financial strain, their parent company also shut down its California offices. Orion’s website stopped working for long periods and warranty support became uncertain.
Impact on Astronomers and Telescope Owners
This situation has been disappointing for many hobbyists. These brands served:
- Beginners needing affordable starter telescopes
- Advanced users relying on Meade’s Schmidt-Cassegrain systems
- Solar observers using Coronado H-Alpha telescopes
With operations shut down, users now face questions about long-term support, spare parts, and warranty service.
Where to Find Remaining Inventory
One major retailer, High Point Scientific, has acquired a large portion of the remaining Meade, Coronado, and Orion inventory. This includes telescopes, mounts, and accessories.
If you are looking for new old stock — for example a Meade LX200, Coronado solar scope, or Orion accessories — they currently offer a clearance page:
High Point Scientific – Meade & Orion Clearance Inventory
Note: This link leads to a temporary sale page. The inventory is finite and support for these products may become limited in the future.
Should You Buy Remaining Meade or Orion Equipment?
It can be a good deal if:
- You want significant discounts
- You already own Meade/Orion gear and need spare parts
- You understand that warranty and long-term support may be limited
For long-term stability and ongoing product support, many astronomers now recommend brands such as Celestron, Sky-Watcher, Explore Scientific, and various U.S. boutique makers.
The Telescope Community Will Continue
Although the loss of Meade and Orion is a big change, the hobby of astronomy remains strong. New manufacturers, better optics, improved mounts, and advanced astrophotography tools continue to grow.
If you’re new to astronomy or considering upgrading your equipment, there are still many excellent options available — and retailers like High Point Scientific, OPT, and Agena AstroProducts can help guide you.
This situation is an important moment in telescope history, but not the end of amateur astronomy. The sky is still there — and better equipment than ever is available.
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