Cheshire Collimators

The Critical Second Step

A laser collimator gets your secondary mirror aligned and your primary into the ballpark — but a Cheshire eyepiece is what delivers the final, precise primary mirror alignment that a laser alone can't achieve. This two-tool approach is widely regarded as the gold standard for Newtonian collimation. Pair your Cheshire with a Farpoint laser, or grab one of our complete collimation kits that bundle both tools together.

Why Farpoint Cheshires Are Different

Our Cheshire collimators use the same proven reflective-pane design found in the popular CATSEYE™ BlackCat series — no crosshairs, just a clean reflective surface that gives you an unobstructed view of your mirror alignment. Unlike combination Cheshire/sight tube tools that compromise on both functions, Farpoint Cheshires are single-purpose, no-compromise instruments built for precise collimation.

Each Cheshire includes a triangle center-mark template and sticker — the triangle edges touch the outside of the illuminated field, removing the guesswork of centering a traditional round center mark. Available in 1.25" and 2" sizes.

No Batteries, No Fuss

Cheshire eyepieces require no batteries, no electronics, and no calibration — they work by ambient light reflected off the precision-machined pane. They're the tool you can always count on at the eyepiece end of your scope, session after session, year after year.

Who Needs a Cheshire

• Every Newtonian and Dobsonian owner — if you own a reflector, a Cheshire belongs in your accessory case alongside your laser collimator
• Dobsonian owners who travel — from star parties across the Gulf Coast and Great Lakes to dark sky sites in California's Central Valley, the Pacific Northwest, and the Appalachians, a Cheshire completes your field collimation toolkit
• Astrophotographers — the two-tool approach is essential for the tight star shapes that fast Newtonian imaging demands
• Anyone upgrading from laser-only collimation — if you've been using just a laser, adding a Cheshire is the single biggest improvement you can make to your collimation accuracy

📖 Learn the technique: Our Telescope Collimation Guide includes detailed Cheshire collimation instructions with photos showing exactly what to look for in the eyepiece.

Note: Farpoint Cheshire collimators are designed for Newtonian and Dobsonian reflecting telescopes only. They are not intended for refractors, catadioptric, or SCT designs.