laser collimator or not

[Edward Dewolf]

I was just about to order my first telescope, a reflector and then I realized I probably wanted to order a collimator with it.

Are laser collimators really worth it?  I read a lot about the lasers not being collimated themselves ....

[Astrosharkey]

I use a laser collimator with an 8' reflector, thought I was doing well until I checked it and discovered it was well out itself, easy to correct though, takes minutes with a vice, piece of paper and allen key.

[Ricochet]

Even if you have a laser you still need a Cheshire/sight tube to align the secondary under the focuser. Where the laser is useful is for collimating the primary when you can view through a Cheshire and reach the collimation screws at the same time. Using the barlowed laser method negates errors in the collimation of the laser and the secondary. 

[MarsG76]

I'd say no to a laser collimator. A chesire collimating eyepiece is probably more accurate and much cheaper.

 

[Piero]

I have a Glatter + tublug collimation tool, it is fantastic, but not cheap. It can collimate the primary, the secondary, and with some care also the distance of the secondary from the focuser. 

A Cheshire is sufficient to do the job, though.