Bob's Knobs understands that telescope collimation can be a struggle for observers new to astronomy, but it is crucial to enjoying your telescope to the fullest. Optics out of alignment, or collimation, yield images with noticeable imperfections. For example, stars will not come to a pinpoint focus and planets will look slightly hazy. The best way to prevent this from happening is to collimate your scope.
To achieve collimation, telescopes often include screws that require a screwdriver to modify the position of the mirrors. Unless you are careful, that screwdriver could scratch your optical tube assembly (OTA), or even the optics themselves. Moreover, your OTA's mirrors are highly sensitive, and it can often be difficult to get such a precise micro-adjustment with a screwdriver.
Collimation is often the most frustrating aspect for beginners, but it doesn't have to be. Bob's Knobs makes it easy to collimate your Newtonian or Catadioptric telescope with their collimation thumbscrew sets. There's no screwdriver, no Allen wrench. Simply install the knobs and you are ready to collimate with the twist of a wrist. Bob's Knobs work with many Catadioptric and Newtonian telescopes, from makers like Celestron, Meade, Orion, and more!
Similarly, Bob's Knobs Astro Tech Collimation Knobs - Secondary Mirror will allow you to easily collimate the secondary mirror of an Astro-Tech 10” Ritchey-Chretien astrograph. The knobs are 16mm (5/8”) in diameter and are made from black plastic with stainless steel threads.
Not sure where to start? The experts at High Point Scientific are ready to help you get the most out of your scope! Call (800) 266 9590 toll-free for free, impartial advice today.