Farpoint 2 Inch Autocollimator

The Farpoint 2" Autocollimator — the advanced third step in the collimation workflow for Newtonian and Dobsonian reflectors. After your laser collimator aligns the secondary and your Cheshire delivers final primary alignment, the autocollimator enables an iterative refinement approach that takes precision to the highest level achievable. Made from sturdy machined, anodized aluminum. Made in the USA.

10 Years of Engineering

An autocollimator is a seemingly simple device, but it must be manufactured with absolute optical-grade precision to function properly — and it turns out that's extraordinarily difficult to achieve. In the beginning, we designed what we thought was right and got close, but not close enough. So we tried again and again and again.

We purchased every other brand of autocollimator we could find, took them apart, and examined them. None of them were really good — most of them were junk. So we kept at it. It literally took 10 years to figure out how to machine these devices to the level of precision that makes them work the way they should.

In 2016 we finally cracked it — we found a way to make them really, really good. Compared to everything else on the market, this is the best autocollimator available, and our customer feedback agrees. Customers consistently tell us it's better than the leading brand.

What's Included

• Farpoint 2" Autocollimator — precision-machined from sturdy anodized aluminum to optical-grade tolerances
• Mirror center-marking template and triangle center spots — standard template works with mirrors up to 12.5" (large templates for mirrors up to 26" available separately)
• Lifetime alignment guarantee

Start with the Right Foundation

An autocollimator works best as the third step after the essential two-tool workflow. If you don't already own a laser collimator and Cheshire eyepiece, start there first:

• 2" Collimation Kit — laser + Cheshire + center-marking kit + carrying case
• 2" Super Kit — laser + Cheshire + this autocollimator + center-marking kit + carrying case (the complete three-tool solution at a kit price)

Who Needs an Autocollimator

• Dedicated astrophotographers — fast focal ratio imaging Newtonians demand the tightest possible collimation for pinpoint stars across the full field
• Large Dobsonian owners — bigger mirrors amplify collimation errors, making iterative refinement especially valuable
• Experienced visual observers — if you've mastered the laser-and-Cheshire workflow and want to push your optics to their theoretical limit

For the ultimate resource on autocollimator technique, visit the Cloudy Nights community discussion thread on collimation with autocollimators.

📖 Read our complete Telescope Collimation Guide →

For Newtonian and Dobsonian reflecting telescopes only. Not intended for refractors, catadioptric, or SCT designs.