Collimation Tools

Farpoint collimation tools help you get the sharpest, highest-contrast views from your Newtonian and Dobsonian reflector telescopes. From precision laser collimators to Cheshire eyepieces, autocollimators, and center-marking kits, we offer individual tools and complete collimation kits — all proudly made in the USA.

The Best Practice: A Two-Tool Approach

Experienced reflector owners know that the most accurate collimation comes from using two complementary tools. A laser collimator first gives you an accurate secondary mirror alignment and a rough primary alignment — getting everything into the ballpark quickly. Then a Cheshire eyepiece takes over to deliver the final, precise primary mirror alignment that a laser alone can't achieve. This two-tool workflow is widely regarded as the gold standard for Newtonian collimation.

For more demanding applications — fast focal ratio imaging scopes or anyone chasing the tightest possible star shapes across the full field — adding an autocollimator after the laser-and-Cheshire steps allows an iterative refinement approach that takes alignment precision to the next level.

Farpoint Laser Collimators

Our laser collimator bodies are precision-machined from a single piece of aluminum in one machining step — not assembled from separate parts — ensuring perfect alignment from the factory. They feature a superior eight-screw alignment system that locks both ends of the laser diode in place for lasting accuracy, backed by a lifetime guarantee to never go out of alignment.

Farpoint lasers produce the smallest aperture beam (0.76mm) of any collimator on the amateur astronomy market, delivering less speckling and a more precise reading of the beam's position on your primary mirror. Available in 1.25" barrel, 2" barrel, and 1.25"/2" combo models with bright 650nm red laser diodes.

Cheshire Collimation Eyepieces

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. Available in 1.25" and 2" sizes, these sight-tube collimation eyepieces provide the essential second step — confirming and perfecting primary mirror alignment after your laser gets you into the ballpark.

Collimation Kits

Our kits are built around the two-tool best practice — each bundle includes a laser collimator paired with a Cheshire eyepiece and a primary mirror center-marking tool, giving you everything you need for a complete collimation workflow in one package. Available in 1.25" and 2" configurations, with standard and super kits that add an autocollimator for iterative refinement on demanding setups.

Why Collimation Matters

An uncollimated Newtonian shows elongated stars, reduced contrast, and soft planetary detail. Collimation aligns your primary and secondary mirrors so incoming light converges at a single focal point — the difference between a good view and a great one. Most experienced observers collimate before every session, and it only takes a few minutes with the right tools.

Who Needs Collimation Tools

• Dobsonian owners — Dobs shift during transport, making collimation checks essential at every setup. Popular among astronomers from star parties across the Gulf Coast, Great Lakes, and Pacific Northwest
• Newtonian astrophotographers — precise collimation is critical for tight star shapes across the imaging field, and the two-tool approach is a must
• Star party regulars — if you transport your scope to dark sky sites in California's Central Valley, Texas Hill Country, the Appalachians, or anywhere else, collimation is part of the routine
• New reflector owners — learning to collimate is one of the first skills every Newtonian owner develops, and a kit gives you everything to start right

📖 New to collimation? Read our complete Telescope Collimation Guide for step-by-step instructions with photos covering laser, Cheshire, and autocollimator techniques.

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