Start here · Essential guide
Telescope Collimation Guide
Learn what telescope collimation is, which telescopes need it, how to spot a misaligned scope, which tools help, and how to check your results with a star test.
Setup & Care
Telescope Collimation
4 guides, starting with Telescope Collimation Guide.
How to Collimate a Refractor Telescope: Checking Alignment
Find out whether your refractor can be collimated, how to check alignment with a star test, and how to adjust an objective cell with push-pull screws.
How to Collimate a Telescope Without a Laser, Step by Step
Collimate a Newtonian without a laser using a collimation cap or sight tube, then fine-tune on a star. Clear steps, what to look for, and common mistakes.
Telescope Spider: Secondary Mirror Support Explained
A telescope spider holds the secondary mirror in a reflector. Learn how vanes work, why they cause diffraction spikes, and how the spider relates to collimation.
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