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Longtime Customer article: Frank Melillo

As part of Orion's 40th Anniversary celebration, we reached out to some of our most loyal and long-term customers to help us look back and share some of the experiences they've had with Orion Telescopes & Binoculars over the years. Since 1975, the Orion team has been proud to offer superb customer service and support to our valued customers. Let's hear what longtime customer Frank Melillo has to say.

Do you remember how or when you first heard about Orion Telescopes & Binoculars?
The first time I heard of Orion Telescope Center was from Astronomy magazine in 1981.

Please share one of your most interesting or memorable stargazing experiences.
The most memorable stargazing occurred when I could do astrophotography from my own background (at my parents at the time). Also, when I got my Celestron 8-inch in 1980 (which I still have it now) was the best since I could now see many objects for the first time. Before that, I had a Tasco 4-1/2 inch telescope.

What advice would you give to beginners who are interested in the hobby of amateur astronomy?
Start out slowly. You can't learn everything at one time. It would take years to get to know the sky. Using binoculars is the first step and learn your way around. Join an astronomy club if there is one nearby in your area.

Which Orion product do you most often recommend to fellow amateur astronomers?
I would say binoculars if the person is a beginner. I know because I have a 10x70 binocular I got from Orion in 1982. (I still have it now). Also, Orion has variety of small telescopes to start off with and many good accessories.

Do you have any memorable experiences with Orion Customer Service you would like to share?
Back in the earlier 1980s, I was always excited when I received most of my accessories from Orion. I bought the 10x70 binoculars, an observer chair, a yellow red/white flashlight, 2x Barlow lens, a dew zapper and several eyepieces and filters. I think I got the Deluxe Triton 2000.00 Star atlas also.

Longtime Orion customer Frank M.
Longtime Orion customer Frank Mellilo with a few of his favorite Orion products.

Today, everyone at Orion is proud to continue our tradition of providing customers with the best service and support under the stars. We couldn't have reached our 40th Anniversary without help from customers like Frank Melillo, and you too! Thanks for joining us, here's to 40 more years of affordable stargazing with Orion Telescopes & Binoculars.

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About Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

Since 1975 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars has been offering telescopes for sale direct to customers. Now an employee-owned company, we pride ourselves on an unswerving commitment to best quality products, value and unmatched customer care. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee says it all.

Orion offers telescopes for every level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. From our entry level beginner telescopes for amateur astronomers to our Dobsonian telescopes to our most advanced Cassegrain telescopes and accessories, you can find the best telescope for you. Because we sell direct, we can offer you tremendous value at a great price. Not sure how to choose a telescope? Orion's Telescope Buyer's Guide is a great place to start.

Orion binoculars are known for quality optics at a great price. We offer binoculars for every viewing interest, including astronomical binoculars, compact binoculars, waterproof binoculars, birding binoculars, and sport and hunting binoculars.

Orion's telescope and astrophotography accessories will enhance your telescope enjoyment without breaking the bank. Expand your viewing experience with accessories ranging from moon filters to power-boosting Barlow lenses to advanced computerized telescope mounts. Capture breathtaking photos with our affordable astrophotography cameras. And when you're stargazing, Orion's telescope cases and covers, observing gear, red LED flashlights, astronomy books and star charts will make your observing sessions more convenient, comfortable and meaningful.

At Orion, we are committed to sharing our knowledge and passion for astronomy and astrophotography with the amateur astronomy community. Visit the Orion Community Center for in-depth information on telescopes, binoculars, and astrophotography. You can find astrophotography "how to" tips and share your best astronomy pictures here. Submit astronomy articles, events, & reviews, and even become a featured Orion customer!