alanjgreen

M106,

If you do upgrade the focuser, better to get a 2" version. They come with "adapter" so that you can continue to use 1.25" eyepieces but then you are enabled to use "wider view" 2" eyepieces if you wish.

here is an example. Email FLO to make sure it fits the 200p using the "ask us a question" button (they are out of stock anyway so you wont be tempted!)

https://www.firstlightoptics.com/skywatcher-focusers/skywatcher-dual-speed-low-profile-1252-inch-crayford-focuser.html

Here is a thread on similar vein...

don't worry about colliimation too much in the first week. Just focus on getting to see something.

you can of course do a quick collimation check by looking down the focuser (with eyepiece removed) to see if you can see reflections of reflections and if the centre mark of the mirror is centered.

Of course it is hard to hold your eye dead centre so don't expect 100% accurate result.

probably the eyepiece. they are optimised for night time use. The bright moon can also show up these issues with eyepieces.

Don't rush into the crosshair eyepiece, you may not need it.

you may swap to telrad or red dot finder in the future.

as the finder is only x8 magnification and has a wide wide view you will be fine.

use the 25mm to get the scope pointed at something, then adjust the finder to the same place.

for higher accuracy, put the 10mm in and repeat.

job done.

Looks great. I would gIve it a try in the daylight, get the finder aligned ahead of Monday night!

have you got a view out to a distant object (hill, tree, telegraph pole?)

Alan