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GSO 1.25" Newtonian Deluxe Laser Collimator III

4.8 (10 Reviews) Read Reviews Write Review
Brand GSO
Part Number LCIII
Availability available

Product Info

Manufacturer Description

This is a great accessory for precisely collimating your Newtonian reflector telescope to achieve the best image the telescope can deliver, especially for faster systems (f/5 or lower).

This device allows you to adjust both of the telescope's mirrors with a simple, precise, two-step procedure. The collimator fits in the 1.25" focuser and emits a red laser beam into the telescope. Tilt the secondary mirror so that the red laser dot hits the center of the primary mirror. Then tilt the primary mirror so that the return beam hits a silver plate angled at 45 degrees in the collimator's window. Adjust the mirror until the return beam lines up with the original beam. That's it!

The collimator is made of strong anodized aluminum and requires three LR44 type batteries (included). This new deluxe model now includes a rubber grip placed around the laser assembly within the collimator housing that helps the collimator retain its alignment if bumped or when batteries are replaced. Does not include an instruction sheet but these collimation instructions (pdf document) will work just as well.

Reviews

4.8 (Based on 10 Reviews) 100% of reviewers recommended this product.
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    1. Guest

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      Review by Jason H.
      1548360547
      Jan 24, 2019

      5.0 Must Have for Newtonian

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      This is a good collimation tool for the price. It is very easy to use and a must for good images if you have a f/4 - f/6 Newtonian.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    2. Joseph Ward

      Joseph Ward New Member

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      Review by Joseph W.
      1541979636
      Nov 11, 2018

      4.0 Works Well

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Very economical tool that worked for collimating my Newtonian scope. Knowing what I know now I would recommend spending more for one that has variable brightness for the laser.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    3. Guest

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      Review by Mitch H.
      1501076632
      Jul 26, 2017

      5.0 GSO 1.25" Newtonian Deluxe Laser Collimator III

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Easy to use

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    4. Guest

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      Review by david m.
      1495468449
      May 22, 2017

      5.0 gso collaminater

      Pros:

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I have used it twice now. the first time I wasn't sure if I liked it. I was expecting to see a dot on the 45 degree plate. When I got it close it flooded the whole plate with red. However the second time I used it I did see a dot until I got inside the center hole. It still floods the plate but you can see like a corona around the center hole. So now I know what to expect and it works great. I have the pre orion dulux 2 that doesn't have the 45 degree plate to double check but the gso is way better for collimating the primary mirror.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
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      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    5. Guest

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      Review by Dee of South Alabama.
      1470009600
      Jul 31, 2016

      5.0 Impressive performance at a low price

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Accurate,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      I used this collimator straight out of the box to align the secondary and primary mirrors in my 8 inch Newtonian. All of the coarse optical adjustments were made before laser collimation. Afterward the collimator cap showed all visual reflection patterns at near-concentric placement. When the weather permits I feel confident that only a slight adjustment, if any, will achieve textbook alignment.

      I used a knife edge wheel jig made for balancing of rotating parts like propellers to rotate the collimator while observing the laser pattern projected on a wall 25 feet away. I could see the laser pattern rotate but there was no perceptible rotation of the centroid of the laser pattern.

      The case is sized in a way that makes it easy to use the knife edge wheel jig (A DuBro Tru-Spin Prop Balancer) to align the laser should it ever become necessary. The adjustment screws are not filled with sealant. Place the collimator on the prop balancer or equivalent and turn the alignment screws to achieve coaxial alignment of the laser beam and case. Again, mine arrived at what I perceive as entirely acceptable coaxial alignment...no complaints here

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    6. Guest

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      Review by danr19 of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
      1435536000
      Jun 28, 2015

      4.0 A necessary tool

      Pros:

      Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Useful for collimating my telescope.
      I had to stick a tape around the eyepice socket, because it was a little bit loose.
      Later, I found out it depends of the ambient temperature.
      When it is colder, the telescope socket and the collimator shrink and fit better.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    7. Guest

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      Review by AtomB of Phoenix, AZ.
      1424736000
      Feb 23, 2015

      5.0 No-brainer for quick, accurate alignment

      Pros:

      Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      So much easier to collimate compared to using a combo/Cheshire tool. The rear facing power button is better than the twist-type switches on others. I believe the best attribute to this laser is the ability to easily perform axial alignment of the laser itself using the three adjustment setscrews. The access to these setscrews is not plugged like in other laser collimators.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    8. Guest

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      Review by Jerrya of Upstate, NY.
      1408147200
      Aug 15, 2014

      5.0 Works Great

      Pros:

      Easy to Use,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Comments:

      Very well made and easy to use...would definitely recommend.

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    9. Guest

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      Review by Jim of Jacksonville, FL.
      1398297600
      Apr 23, 2014

      5.0 Works great

      Pros:

      Accurate,Strong Construction

      Cons:

      Batteries

      Comments:

      The construction of the collimator is well built, feels heavy and solid! The push button on/off switch engages with a firm feel and an audible click. The battery compartment threads are well machined and have a smooth fit when twisted open and closed. Fits within a 1.25 inch eyepiece collar snugly.

      Collimating with the GSO on my F/5 newt is fast and accurate. For me having the blank anodized 45 degree plate is much better than using the white back ground with black marked bulls eye/ sniper pattern. When the primary mirror is aligned the light diffuses in a symmetrical pattern and is easier for me to adjust during low light.

      The only downside to the unit is that it uses three LR44 button cell batteries... Make sure you place all three in the correct order Plus side up!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

    10. Guest

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      Review by Alanoodle of Long Island, NY.
      1395446400
      Mar 21, 2014

      5.0 Great Affordable Laser Collimator

      Pros:

      Strong Construction,Accurate,Compact,Easy to Use

      Cons:

      Comments:

      GSO's Deluxe Laser Collimator III makes collimation really easy. Easy push-button switch. Great price!

      Bottom Line: Would you recommend this item? Yes
      Was this review helpful? Yes / No

      This review was provided courtesy of AgenaAstro.com

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