About collimation...

[Perene]

What exactly can force you to  collimate a telescope? I mean, is there a way to avoid doing this as much as possible? For example, if I install the telescope in a fixed spot and never drags it often, will the collimation still be necessary?

[Moonshane]

As far as I am concerned using a newtonian = collimating it before I start. It takes seconds to do the most important bit (primary). I cannot see what the fuss is about. if you have it in a fixed position this reduces the amount you adjust it by but is it really more difficult - turning a small circular dial a little or turning a small circular dial a little bit more?

it's really nothing to worry about.

[Dreadz]

+1 for moonshanes advice. Once your secondary is set chances are unless you drop the scope you'll rarely need to touch that again. Tweaking the primary takes literally seconds and ensures you'll get the best performance from your scope

Sent from my GTi9300 using random spelling mistake generator!!!!

[Tinker1947]

I used a laser on my Newt, so easy and quick.......

[RichM63]

Agreed, after the first time you'll wonder what you were worried about.

[wookie1965]

Took me an hour first time now it takes 2 minutes maximum like riding a bike once you have done it its easy. 

[FunkyKoval35]

If the scope will be used for astrophotography then you MUST collimate your scope... and you have to do this as precisely as you can!