{"title":"Takahashi Collimation Tools","description":"\u003cp\u003eTakahashi collimating eyepieces and collimating telescopes for aligning Newtonian, Cassegrain, Ritchey-Chrétien and refractor optics. Collimation is what turns a good mirror into a good image — these are the tools that let you set it and check it.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"takahashi-collimating-eyepiece-newtonians-cassegrains","title":"Takahashi Collimating Eyepiece for Newtonians \u0026 Cassegrains","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Takahashi Collimating Eyepiece is a machined aluminum sighting tool that inserts into a standard 1.25″ (31.75 mm) eyepiece holder or focuser drawtube. Looking through the central peephole, you see the reflection of your primary mirror (on a Newtonian) or secondary\/corrector assembly (on a Cassegrain or Ritchey-Chrétien) centered on the sighting hole when the optics are aligned. It has no lens elements — this is a mechanical collimation tool, not a viewing eyepiece. At 35 mm in diameter, 45 mm long and 45 g, it threads onto the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/takahashi-newtonian-collimating-tube-crosshair\"\u003eNewtonian Collimating Tube with Crosshair\u003c\/a\u003e for a combined Cheshire-eyepiece setup, or works on its own for a quick sighting check.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a good match if you own a Newtonian reflector and adjust your own mirror collimation, or if you run a Cassegrain or Ritchey-Chrétien telescope and check secondary mirror alignment between imaging sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMachined aluminum body:\u003c\/strong\u003e holds a consistent, repeatable fit in the focuser or eyepiece holder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFixed 1.25″ barrel:\u003c\/strong\u003e drops straight into any standard visual back or drawtube, no adapter needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReflective sighting face:\u003c\/strong\u003e shows the primary mirror or secondary assembly reflected back through the peephole, centered when collimation is correct.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and pocketable:\u003c\/strong\u003e 35 mm diameter, 45 mm long, 45 g — easy to keep with your other collimation tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical \/ Mechanical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe tool is a simple sighting tube: a small peephole at the eye end and a reflective surface at the objective end, with an M36.4 x 1 male thread on the objective side. Used alone, it gives you a fast go\/no-go check of primary mirror centering on a Newtonian. Threaded onto the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/takahashi-newtonian-collimating-tube-crosshair\"\u003eNewtonian Collimating Tube with Crosshair\u003c\/a\u003e, the two work together as a Cheshire eyepiece — the tube supplies a wire crosshair reference, and this eyepiece supplies the sighting hole, giving you a repeatable reference point for centering the secondary mirror shadow on Takahashi Epsilon astrographs and other Newtonian designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/TKA00441-schema.png?v=1786912645\" alt=\"Takahashi collimating eyepiece TKA00441 half-section dimensional schematic\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePre-session collimation checks on Newtonian reflectors; secondary mirror centering on Cassegrain and Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes; a first-pass sighting reference before fine-tuning with a laser collimator or star test.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFits any 1.25″ (31.75 mm) focuser drawtube or eyepiece holder. The M36.4 x 1 male thread on the objective end mates with the Newtonian Collimating Tube with Crosshair for combined Cheshire-eyepiece alignment on Newtonian and astrograph optical tubes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to Know Before You Order\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt has no lens elements.\u003c\/strong\u003e It is built for sighting down the optical axis, not for viewing the night sky — a standard eyepiece handles that job.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt does not include a crosshair.\u003c\/strong\u003e The crosshair reference for secondary mirror centering comes from the paired Newtonian Collimating Tube, which threads on separately.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it difficult to set up?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. It inserts into the focuser exactly like an eyepiece, with nothing to calibrate before use.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is it best used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChecking whether a Newtonian primary mirror or a Cassegrain\/RC secondary is centered on the optical axis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it work for astrophotography setups?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is a visual alignment tool used before imaging, not a component of the imaging train itself.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need the collimating tube as well?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a full Cheshire-eyepiece setup with a crosshair reference on a Newtonian, yes — the two are designed to thread together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom Line\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA machined 1.25″ sighting tool for checking mirror alignment on Newtonian, Cassegrain and Ritchey-Chrétien telescopes, usable alone for a quick check or threaded to the collimating tube for a full Cheshire-eyepiece reference.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Takahashi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54047077204079,"sku":"TAK-TKA00441","price":72.93,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/tce0020_2_2.jpg?v=1786912905"},{"product_id":"takahashi-newtonian-collimating-tube-crosshair","title":"Takahashi Newtonian Collimating Tube with Crosshair","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Newtonian Collimating Tube with Crosshair is a machined alignment tool built for centering the secondary mirror on Takahashi's Epsilon-series Newtonian astrographs. A wire crosshair is stretched across the objective end of the tube, giving you a fixed reference point to center against the reflection of the primary mirror. It threads via M36.4 x 1 to the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/takahashi-collimating-eyepiece-newtonians-cassegrains\"\u003eCollimating Eyepiece\u003c\/a\u003e (TKA00441, sold separately), and together the two function as a Cheshire eyepiece. At 39.5 mm in diameter, 80 mm long and 50 g, it fits in a case with the rest of your collimation kit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a good match if you run a Takahashi Epsilon astrograph and check secondary mirror centering as part of your regular collimation routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFixed wire crosshair:\u003c\/strong\u003e stretched across the objective end, giving a stable reference point for centering the primary mirror's reflection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eM36.4 x 1 male thread:\u003c\/strong\u003e mates directly to the Collimating Eyepiece for a combined Cheshire-eyepiece assembly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMachined construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e holds the crosshair's position precisely, session after session.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePurpose-built for Epsilon optics:\u003c\/strong\u003e matched to the secondary mirror geometry of Takahashi's hyperbolic Newtonian astrographs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical \/ Mechanical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThreaded to the Collimating Eyepiece, the assembly works as a Cheshire eyepiece: you sight through the eyepiece's peephole, and the crosshair in this tube gives you a fixed target to center the secondary mirror's shadow against. The crosshair wire is taped across a notch at the tube end and can be replaced if it's ever damaged.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/TKA00442-schema.png?v=1786912644\" alt=\"Takahashi Newtonian collimating tube TKA00442 half-section dimensional schematic\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecondary mirror collimation on Takahashi Epsilon 130D, Epsilon 160ED and Epsilon 180ED astrographs; paired use with the Collimating Eyepiece for a full Cheshire-style alignment check before an imaging session.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThreads via M36.4 x 1 to the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/takahashi-collimating-eyepiece-newtonians-cassegrains\"\u003eCollimating Eyepiece\u003c\/a\u003e (TKA00441), which is sold separately and required to complete the Cheshire-eyepiece assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to Know Before You Order\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt ships without the Collimating Eyepiece.\u003c\/strong\u003e The two parts are sold separately and thread together to form the full Cheshire-eyepiece assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTakahashi matches it to its own Epsilon astrographs.\u003c\/strong\u003e If you're aligning a different Newtonian, send us the model and we can help you work out the right collimation tool for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it difficult to set up?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. It threads onto the Collimating Eyepiece by hand, and the crosshair is already fitted at the factory.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is it best used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCentering the secondary mirror on a Takahashi Epsilon astrograph as part of routine collimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need any other accessories?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes — the Collimating Eyepiece (TKA00441) threads onto this tube to complete the Cheshire-eyepiece assembly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it work on non-Takahashi Newtonians?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTakahashi designs it around its own Epsilon-series secondary mirror geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom Line\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA crosshair-equipped alignment tube matched to Takahashi's Epsilon astrographs, threading to the Collimating Eyepiece for a complete Cheshire-style secondary mirror check.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Takahashi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54047078645871,"sku":"TAK-TKA00442","price":91.52,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/tce0030_2_2.jpg?v=1786912929"},{"product_id":"takahashi-collimating-telescope-refractors-cassegrains-ritchey-chretiens","title":"Takahashi Collimating Telescope for Refractors, Cassegrains \u0026 Ritchey-Chretiens","description":"\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Takahashi Collimating Telescope is a 6x18mm sighting scope built for aligning refractor, Ritchey-Chrétien and classical Cassegrain optics, including Takahashi's own Mewlon-250CRS, Mewlon-300CRS and CCA-250. It threads directly into the focuser on an M36.4 x 1 male thread and uses a 45-degree angled eyepiece for a comfortable viewing position while sighting down the optical axis. At 210 mm long, 40 mm in diameter and 235 g, it comes with a four-page instruction manual.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a good match if you own a Takahashi Mewlon Dall-Kirkham telescope, a CCA-250, or a refractor with a focal length of 820 mm or longer, and you check collimation as part of your setup routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e6x18mm sighting optics:\u003c\/strong\u003e a magnified, focused view down the optical axis for precise alignment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e45-degree angled eyepiece:\u003c\/strong\u003e keeps the viewing position comfortable regardless of where the focuser points.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eM36.4 x 1 male thread:\u003c\/strong\u003e threads directly into the focuser drawtube, the same interface as the Collimating Eyepiece and Collimating Tube.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eManual focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e extend or retract the eyepiece to bring the sighting image into focus.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOptical \/ Mechanical Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike the Collimating Eyepiece, this is a true 6x18mm achromatic sighting telescope rather than a bare peephole. You focus it by extending and retracting the eyepiece tube by hand, and the 45-degree mirror redirects the view for a comfortable angle regardless of where the telescope is pointed. The magnified image makes fine centering errors easier to see than a direct sighting tool would.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/TKA00443-schema.png?v=1786912644\" alt=\"Takahashi TKA00443 collimating telescope dimensional schematic\" style=\"max-width:100%;height:auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollimating Mewlon-180C, Mewlon-210, Mewlon-250CRS and Mewlon-300CRS Dall-Kirkham telescopes; centering the secondary mirror on the CCA-250; checking objective alignment on refractors of 820 mm focal length or longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility and Accessory Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThreads via M36.4 x 1 male into any focuser accepting that thread, matching the interface used by Takahashi's Collimating Eyepiece and Collimating Tube. Also compatible with GSO, PlaneWave and RCOS Cassegrain and Ritchey-Chrétien tubes that have a marked secondary mirror for collimation reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGood to Know Before You Order\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIt isn't built for relay-lens Cassegrains.\u003c\/strong\u003e Takahashi doesn't recommend it on Cassegrain designs that use a relay lens as part of the optical path.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThird-party RCs need a marked secondary to use it.\u003c\/strong\u003e On GSO, PlaneWave and RCOS tubes that means a secondary mirror with a collimation mark; if you're not sure your tube has one, send us the model and we'll help you check.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it difficult to set up?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo — it threads into the focuser exactly like an eyepiece, and focus is a simple extend-and-retract adjustment.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is it best used for?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAligning the optical axis on Takahashi Mewlon Dall-Kirkham telescopes, the CCA-250, and refractors of 820 mm focal length or longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it work on Cassegrains generally?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn classical Cassegrain and Ritchey-Chrétien designs with a marked secondary, yes; not on designs that use a relay lens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat comes in the box?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe collimating telescope and a four-page instruction manual.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBottom Line\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 6x18mm sighting scope for aligning Takahashi Mewlon, CCA-250 and long-focal-length refractor optics, threading directly into the focuser and focusing by hand.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Takahashi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54047079366767,"sku":"TAK-TKA00443","price":357.5,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0686\/0049\/6239\/files\/takahashi_collimating_scope_2_2.jpg?v=1786912971"}],"url":"https:\/\/ontariotelescope.com\/collections\/takahashi-collimation-tools.oembed","provider":"Ontario Telescope and Accessories","version":"1.0","type":"link"}