The Complete Guide to Telescope Collimation
Everything you need to know about collimating your Newtonian or Dobsonian reflector — the tools, the technique, and the two-tool workflow trusted by experienced astronomers.
Why Collimation Matters
An uncollimated Newtonian reflector shows elongated stars, reduced contrast, and soft planetary detail. Collimation is the process of aligning 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, especially after transporting their scope. With the right tools, it takes just a few minutes and the improvement in image quality is immediate and dramatic.
Whether you're doing visual observing or astrophotography, proper collimation is the single most impactful thing you can do to improve the performance of your reflector telescope.
The Gold Standard: A Two-Tool Approach
Experienced reflector owners know that the most accurate collimation comes from using two complementary tools in sequence. Each tool handles a different part of the alignment process — together they deliver results that neither can achieve alone.
Why Farpoint Collimation Tools
Laser Collimators
Farpoint lasers produce the smallest aperture beam (0.76mm) of any collimator on the amateur astronomy market, delivering dramatically less speckling and more precise readings. 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 for an unobstructed view of your alignment. Unlike combination Cheshire/sight tube tools, Farpoint Cheshires are single-purpose, no-compromise instruments. Available in 1.25" and 2" sizes.
Autocollimators
It took 10 years of iterative engineering to machine an autocollimator to the optical-grade precision this tool demands. We purchased and disassembled every competing brand — none met our standards. The result is what our customers consistently call the finest autocollimator on the market, backed by a lifetime alignment guarantee.
Collimation Kits — Everything in One Package
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. Available in 1.25" and 2" configurations, with super kits that add an autocollimator for the complete three-tool solution.
Which Collimation Tool Do You Need?
Every reflector telescope owner should have at minimum a laser collimator and a Cheshire eyepiece. Here's how each tool fits the workflow:
| Feature | Laser Collimator | Cheshire Eyepiece | Autocollimator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary mirror alignment | ✓ Accurate | Visual check | — |
| Primary mirror — ballpark | ✓ Fast | ✓ Yes | — |
| Primary mirror — final precision | Approximate | ✓ Precise | ✓ Ultra-precise |
| Iterative refinement | — | — | ✓ Yes |
| Requires batteries | Yes | No | No |
| Best for | Quick setup, field use | Final alignment | Astrophotography, fast scopes |
| Recommended | ✓ Essential | ✓ Essential | Advanced |
Who Needs Collimation Tools
Dobsonian owners — Dobs shift during transport, making collimation checks essential at every setup. A quick two-tool collimation takes just 5 minutes and makes the difference between blurry and tack-sharp views.
Newtonian astrophotographers — precise collimation is critical for tight star shapes across the imaging field. The two-tool approach is a must, and many imagers add an autocollimator for the ultimate refinement.
Star party regulars — if you transport your scope to dark sky sites anywhere in the country, collimation is part of the routine. It's the first thing experienced observers do after setting up.
New reflector owners — learning to collimate is one of the first skills every Newtonian owner develops. A collimation kit gives you everything to start right.
Where Collimation Tools Are Essential
If you own a Newtonian or Dobsonian, you need collimation tools regardless of where you observe. But astronomers who regularly transport their scopes to dark sky sites know it best — collimation is the first thing you do after setting up at the field.
- California & Sacramento Valley — From star parties at Yosemite and Sierra Nevada sites to Sacramento Astronomical Society events, Dob and Newtonian owners collimate at every setup in the Central Valley and mountain observing locations
- Texas Hill Country & Gulf Coast — Texas Star Party, Okie-Tex, and countless club events across Texas and the Gulf states make collimation tools a constant companion for traveling astronomers
- Pacific Northwest — Oregon Star Party and Washington dark sky sites draw reflector owners who know a bumpy drive means a mandatory collimation check on arrival
- Great Lakes & Midwest — Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio astronomy clubs host regular observing events where Dob owners line up with collimation tools in hand
- Southeast US — Staunton River, Peach State, and Chiefland star parties in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida see heavy Dobsonian attendance with collimation as standard practice
- Northeast & Appalachians — Cherry Springs, Stellafane, and other legendary dark sky sites in Pennsylvania, Vermont, and the Mid-Atlantic attract serious reflector owners year-round
- Mountain West & Desert Southwest — Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah offer some of the darkest skies in the US, drawing astrophotographers who demand perfect collimation for their imaging Newtonians
Frequently Asked Questions
Farpoint collimation tools are designed for Newtonian and Dobsonian reflecting telescopes only. They are not intended for refractors, catadioptric, or SCT designs. CATSEYE™ is a trademark of CatEye Collimation. Farpoint is not affiliated with CatEye Collimation.