The Novosibirsk Instrument-Making Plant was founded in 1905 to manufacture artillery sights for the Imperial Russian Army. It made a significant contribution to equipping the Russian and Soviet armies during the world wars.

Following the Second World War, the factory began to produce an increasing number of products for the civilian market. The manufacture of astronomical telescopes began in 1980 under the initiative of the Novosibirsk amateur astronomer Leonid Sikoruk. The TAL, a Newtonian reflector with an aperture of 2.5" (65 mm) intended for beginners, was the first model to be introduced, and remains in production to this day. In 1984, production of the more sophisticated 4.3" (110 mm) TAL-1 commenced. This model was intended for more advanced amateurs. The mass production of these popular telescopes constituted an important milestone for Russian amateur astronomy, and they have been widely available in shops throughout Russia ever since.

The disintegration of the USSR brought extremely difficult economic conditions for the factory. Because military production was greatly curtailed, the factory was compelled to compete on the world market of optical devices. In 1993 TAL telescopes began to be sold abroad, at first in England, then in other countries. Today Novosibirsk telescopes are well-known around the world and have earned an outstanding reputation.