Orion Optics UK was founded by Barry Pemberton in 1984. At the start, the entire company consisted of just one mirror grinding and polishing machine and was based in a garage. But, by 1987, the small business's reputation had so grown that they had to move to larger premises in Newcastle Under Lyme. The first telescope to be produced there by Orion Optics UK was a 150mm aperture Schmidt-Newtonian.
Today Orion Optics UK is run by Berry's son: John Pemberton. The company is now a major manufacturer of optics - which are used both in its own telescope series as well as in other brands of telescopes - for example Taurus Optics' Dobsonian telescopes.
Orion Optics UK offers a wide range of telescopes - from beginners' right up to professional instruments.
Their VX series Newtonian telescopes are excellent value for money and ideal for beginners or more advanced amateur astronomers.
Their compact and powerful Maksutov Cassegrain design OMC series telescopes are among the best catadioptric instruments available. These lightweight carbon-fibre telescopes are simply a dream for lunar and planetary observers!
Their Astrograph series Newtonians also boast carbon-fibre OTAs. These telescopes have been optimised for astrophotography, making them ideal for every discerning astrophotographer who refuses to compromise!