Baader MKIII collimating laser

Precise alignment of Newton telescope mirrors with Laser-Colli™ Mark III from Baader Planetarium

The Laser-Colli™ Mark III (ref. 2450343) from Baader Planetarium is a high-precision laser collimation tool, specially designed to perfectly align the optics of Newton and Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. Thanks to its advanced technology and ease of use, it has become a must-have for all demanding amateur astronomers.

✅ Why collimate a Newton telescope?

Newton telescopes are particularly sensitive to de-collimation, especially when transported. Poor collimation leads to a loss of sharpness, an exaggerated coma effect, and a significant drop in image quality. The Laser-Colli™ Mark III can correct this in a matter of minutes with great precision.

🔧 Operation of the Laser-Colli™ Mark III

The tool fits directly into the eyepiece holder like a conventional eyepiece. It emits a perfectly centered laser beam that reflects off the secondary, then the primary, before returning to its starting point. If the beam returns to the center, your optics are perfectly collimated!

The Laser-Colli™ is equipped with a plate engraved with a fine reticle, This unique system also makes it easy to spot large collimation errors. This unique system also makes it easy to spot major collimation errors thanks to lateral observation in the tube.

🎯 Stages in the collimation of a Newton telescope :

1. Locating the center of the primary mirror Most mirrors have a mark showing the center of the primary mirror (the large one).
2. Secondary mirror adjustment To align the laser beam with the center mark on the primary mirror, adjust the secondary mirror screws.
3. Primary mirror adjustment TILTING: fine-tune the tilt until the beam is perfectly reflected in its original axis.

🔍 Schmidt-Cassegrain compatibility

The Laser-Colli™ Mark III can also be used with Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. In this case, only collimation of the secondary mirror is possible. Baader's laser quality limits beam scattering, offering sharp guidance even on convex surfaces like the secondary of an SC.

📋 Technical data

💡 Advantages of the Laser-Colli™ Mark III

• Considerable time savings during collimation
• Unrivalled precision thanks to engraved glass reticle
• Can be used even in the event of strong de-collimation
• Suitable for amateurs and advanced users alike
• Rotationally symmetrical, factory-tested collimation technology

⚠️ Warning

Never look directly at the laser beam. Keep the device out of the reach of children. The beam may be deflected away from the tube if collimation is strongly erroneous.

🔋 Battery replacement

The Laser-Colli™ Mark III runs on three LR41 batteries. To replace them, unscrew the back of the case. Place the new batteries with the positive pole facing forward.

📘 Additional resources

To find out more about collimation, optical errors and special cases (self-built telescopes, refractors, off-center optics), consult the guide « Tipps + Tricks für Sternfreunde »by W. Paech & Th. Baader - ISBN 3-87973-923-4.

📦 To sum up

Visit Laser-Colli™ Mark III is one of the most reliable collimation tools on the market. Rigorously manufactured by Baader Planetarium, it guarantees fast, intuitive and extremely accurate collimation for Newton and SC telescopes. A must-have for any serious astronomer who wants to get the most out of his instrument.