Orion 5691 LaserMate Deluxe II Telescope Laser Collimator

First of all, 4 stars says "I like it" and that's the truth. I have adapted, however, to one minor issue. I would have purchased a fully adjustable model (with a dimmer switch) if I had done a little more research before buying this model. The only characteristic I have to work with on this model is that it's, just like I wrote, not adjustable. It's very bright at night; in fact, so bright that I must use a flashlight to check the alignment with the primary mirror. Naturally, a bright laser reflecting off a mirror (naturally, don't let it reflect back into your eyes) is bright no matter what, but I must shine a bright flashlight on the mirror just to over power the laser. That's really not a big deal in terms of effort, but once that's done, then start the clock on your night vision adjustment. I have a collapsible Dobsonian and I like to collimate just before observation (after I just extended and locked the scope in place). I actually use the telescope for daytime high altitude aviation photography and for this purpose, the collimator is great. Again, if I didn't need to use it at night, I would easily give it 5 stars. Collimating during the day is a snap with this device and I take it everywhere I go and collimate more than I really need to. If I am not mistaken, Orion also makes a model just like this that has a dimmer switch, of sorts, that most likely solves this issue. I have read several reviews after purchasing this where their laser was not calibrated properly from the factory. I am going to make an apparatus to check the alignment of this device and make an update to this review as soon as possible. I have not noticed any degradation in my photos that would indicate it's off, though. Will update.

Before I decided to purchase this tool, I was trying a Cheshire piece to collimate my refractor telescope. Boy was that a pain in the back! Look through the eyehole, run to the front - adjust the screws, run to eyepiece - look for alignment............with this laser collimator, place the tool in eyepiece, turn it on, one hand adjusts the screws while you look at the "target" in the eyepiece - without being a contortionist or running back-and-forth! I know this isn't "the tool" to collimate a refractor telescope - it is more for a reflector, which I also have - but I have not tried to collimate those mirrors yet. And around here, Murphy's Law would have it that it's been cloudy very single night since I've gotten the Orion Laser Collimator. Sigh..............So far I am very pleased with it though. It did seem to align my refractor fairly well by testing it on a wall and measuring the laser beam.01/03/2013 UPDATE: I should say also that I am fairly new to collimating/collimation. I'm practicing, that's for sure! I have used the Laser Deluxe on several occasions now, and I will say it has helped considerably!!! If you are unsure of what you are doing or even how to do it, there are plenty of well done videos on youtube so you can see what is going on. Murphy's Law would also have it that since receiving the collimation laser, it's been cloudy!!! Any other nights the wind makes it unbearable, amongst alot of other issues I have to deal with from my viewing location.(move! -yeah, but........) I did "learn" how to use the Cheshire piece, and that is what I used to make final adjustments. Yes, "backbreaking", but not as bad because now I know a little more of what I'm doing and looking for. It's not an "exact" tool, unless you plan on spending considerably more money. So far, it's done the job...As far as collimating my SN 10", it worked fine. Except, I'm not going to give it an honest review until I get a new focuser; the stock one is a piece of "shtock"!

Written by an amateur for other amateurs.I just started with astronomy and bought my first scope Orion 8'' Astrograph.... I did read that I had to collimate the mirrors (at least from time to time), and as a fledgeling I was quite intimidated by having to do this.I knew the Astrograph comes with the "quick collimation cap" and I also bought Orion 3640 Collimating Telescope Eyepiece.To prepare, I both read the instructions and watch the Orion YouTube Collimation Video... the guy does an Excellent Job and covers both collimating with the "Quick Collimation Cap" as well as collimating with the Laser Collimator; i.e. WATCH THE VIDEO from YouTube.I started with the Quick Collimation Cap, then with the upgraded but non-laser 3640 Collimating Eyepiece, and finally graduated to the Laser (i.e. this one I'm reviewing. Firt time, so there wa a lot of trial and error and going back and forth to the instructions and the video... I did struggle with the first two non-laser, but after a while I kinda got the hang of it… still, came close but never quite right; btw, the quick collimation cap and the collimation eye-piece where slightly off (i.e. if shown centered for one, either the primary or secondary mirror, it was not center checking it with the other… so I figure the collimation eye-piece has to be better.BOY… when it came time to use this puppy, the Laser Collimator, it was a breeze, and spot on… later that night I used my scope and I had some pretty sharp views. Note that the telescope, although it is supposed to come aligned – it did not, nothing to be upset about, given that one has to learn how to do this sooner or later, so might as well bite the bullet now!Final Analysis: this is the collimator to have, convenient, will absolutely save you time, less guess work, your assured that the collimation is truly spot on… oh, and did I say: watch the collimation YouTube video from Orion. If money is an issue, the delta from the eye-piece and the laser one is not that much… I would not try to save on this choice and go with the laser one!Clear Skies!

I had to get a replacement because the first one that was sent was badly in need of collimation. Orion's customer service was excellent, though, and they immediately sent a replacement.It does the job, but I've been using it in conjunction with a Cheshire. I use the Cheshire (and collimation cap) to confirm the laser did the job. The Cheshire and cap show things a bit off centre after laser collimation, so a bit of fine tuning is needed. Perhaps this laser collimator needs collimation too, but it is at least better aligned than the first that was sent.The laser is good for a quick but imperfect collimation, and fast-tracks me to the fine-tuning I do with the Cheshire. The laser is not a must-have for this process, but it does make things easier. I would not want to go with a laser collimator alone, though -- the Cheshire is more reliable.

Arrived well packaged..used one of the 3 supplied center markers for primary..Collimation was quick and easy. Waiting for clear night to see resulting views.

Worked like a dream vet easy to use

works good aligns mirrors perfectly

Product came early and is perfect. No issues at all.