collimation.

[jana]

I have noticed a lot of people talking about collimation and polar alignment on here since joining, I have always just pointed my scope in the direction and found what I'm looking for. Is this something I should be learning or do I not need to worry too much with my setup?

[rowan46]

At some point you will need to learn collimation, polar alignment is not so critial unless you are doing long exposure photography.

this is a good guide for collimation

Astro Babys Guide to Collimation

As for polar alignment for visual work aiming the mount at polaris is good enough,

[Seliotis]

I agree, polar alignment is not as critical as collimation. In fact I collimate every time I set up one of my telescopes. I only need to do it for my SCT and even that takes a few moments with Bob's Knobs.

Collimation makes a big difference for dimmer DSOs. Actually There were some I never saw until I learned to collimate. Like everything else, it gets easier with practice.

[Viv]

Like everything else, it gets easier with practice.

But the first time is horrible !!

Still not got mine right - more practice needed .............

[Capricorn]

Still not got mine right - more practice needed .............

Then stop posting and get practicing !

[Viv]

Then stop posting and get practicing !

lol

Not after a glass of wine !!

[Digz]

I generally agree with the above, however I would say that Polar Alignment is relatively simple to learn and put into practice so there there should be no excuse for not doing either.........runs for cover.......

[Multi-Coated]

Just the word "collimation" strikes fear through my heart . That big corrector plate , my horrible fingers , tools in shaky hand !

[jana]

Thanks for the replys guys, I'm gonna have to learn I know as I'm sure I will be wanting more appeture before long and I belive it will make alot of difference with a bigger scope.

I think a trip to the local society at the end of the month and as much reading up as possible is in order. Gives me something to do on these cloudy nights I supose, otherwise the wife's going to start expecting some conversation soon!!!