Farpoint Astro Auto Collimator Review

This is a review of the Auto Collimator by FarPoint Astro. This video demonstrates and compares this collimator to other collimation devices.
My Link Tree - linktr.ee/avastronomy​​​​​
Links to my other videos that explain layer masks, camera settings, Collimation and image processing in more detail.
• How to process Astroph...
HLVG - www.deepskycolors.com/archive...
Gradient Xterminator - www.rc-astro.com/resources/Gr...
OPT telescopes and Agena Astro have a tremendous inventory of astrophotography gear and great service. You can check them out here through my affiliate links. This is the setup I currently use.
Agena Astro - bit.ly/3D3U8id
ASI AIR PLUS - bit.ly/46BTfej
IOPTRON GEM 28 MOUNT - bit.ly/3O2QpGX
WILLIAM OPTICS Z61 - bit.ly/44v5Hv7
IOPTRON IGUIDER - bit.ly/44AXRzv
ASI 294MM CAMERA KIT - bit.ly/46Clqd3
Links to helpful astrophotography items that can be purchased directly through Agena Astro.
TELESCOPES
Redcat71 APO telescope - bit.ly/3D6cT4s
Sky Watcher 8" Dobsonian reflector telescope - bit.ly/3XGYwNy
ASTRONOMY CAMERAS
QHY 600M - bit.ly/3rbHgno
ZWO ASI533MC Pro OSC camera - bit.ly/3XPlzpx
ZWO ASI2600MC pro camera - bit.ly/3pDJFHg
MOUNTS
ZWO AM5 Mount - bit.ly/44eHUzn
Sky Watcher Star Adventurer 2i Pro pack - bit.ly/44gXXMV
Sky Watcher EQ6 R pro mount - bit.ly/3riYbVc
Sky Watcher EQ8 (for heavier payloads) mount - bit.ly/3D3UFkd
Celestron CGXL mount - bit.ly/3O2u6lQ
FILTERS
Optolong Luminance Pro (broadband light pollution filter) - bit.ly/46FIdEJ
Optolong L-extreme(vary tight/narrow dual band light pollution filter) - bit.ly/3NLwrjJ
Optolong L Ultimate - bit.ly/3NIHABV

[@ClearAmbientSkies]

Just picked one up and used the link in your description. My CT16 should be here in about a week-confirmed yesterday. We talked on twitter a month or so ago about the CT16. I feel overwhelmed thinking about setting it all up, but I’m gonna do my best. Thanks for this review! Farpoint owes ya some commission.

[@AVAstronomy]

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing images from that 16” beast. Appreciate the support!

[@AstroPixUK]

I’ve just ordered a Farpoint kit for my F4 Newtonian. Cheers for another great video Aaron.

[@TheJohn48231]

How was it? I also have an F4 Newtonian and considering an auto collimator

[@AstroPixUK]

@@TheJohn48231 worth every penny

[@TheJohn48231]

@@AstroPixUK Thanks

[@billyfisher1299]

The nice thing about the autocollimator is you’ll know when the rings are concentric because the collimator mirror will go completely dark.

[@indysbike3014]

What’s the difference with the Farpoint cheshire? They look the same to me.

[@AVAstronomy]

This only works for fine tuning your collimation. If you are close in collimation but not perfect it will display 3-4 reflections of the donut near the center of the primary. Once you get them concentric you are collimated.

[@IamNotHerbert]

Not what I was expecting when I saw "auto". I want to go eat a hot pocket and come back to a telescope that was automatically collimated without me turning screws :)

[@nxu5107]

Can I ask what your scope is please?

[@AVAstronomy]

It’s a CT8 Newtonian by Orion Optics UK. It’s actually for sale on Astromart.com if interested.

[@nxu5107]

@@AVAstronomy I have an OO 6" tube. Not a CF one like yours. It looks a beauty. Clear Skies. I looked up the collimator and it looks like a little cap with a hole. Do you say there is a laser in side it? It's operation is not very clear.

[@AVAstronomy]

@@nxu5107 no laser inside. It allows you to die tune your collimation to a higher level of accuracy. You would use it after using a laser collimator or Cheshire.

[@nxu5107]

@@AVAstronomy Many thanks.

[@keithmoore7515]

I must say I am nearly scared to death; I just watched your video on Culminating a Orion 8" RA and there's no way... Then I saw this and said Well maybe. Is this for the RA as well? I bought a completed 8" set-up from someone who became disabled and was no longer able to use it. But it is my first scope, and I am just totally lost! I have been reading and trying to figure out the Camera's and the software to run them and to be honest that is making me crazy. Everything is Orion... a G3 for the main camera then a Star Shoot Auto guider. and he said it will all be Orion software anyone can figure it out. Then I today heard of the Culmination stuff and today been watching videos of how to do it and my head is spinning! I wish I had a buddy in eastern TN that could help a bit.

[@AVAstronomy]

Hi Keith, what kind of mount will your 8” scope be on? Also, collimation is referring to mirror alignment. RA and DEC are the planes of movement that the scope moves while on the mount. I know it’s a lot of information. Take it slow and expect a fair amount of frustration in the beginning. I can assure you there were several times I almost quit because of frustration but hang in there. Ideally you would want to start with a refractor but since you already a have an 8” scope (sounds like a dobsonian since you didn’t mention the mount) it will still be good to get you started. If it is a dobsonian you will be limited to basic planetary and lunar photography. If you want to do deep Space photography you will need a solid eq mount and I would recommend a small refractor similar to mine. Good luck!

[@keithmoore7515]

@@AVAstronomy No I was saying the type of scope is a orion 8 RA Ritchy crieton Astrograph. And it is on a cgem 2

[@AVAstronomy]

@@keithmoore7515 ah ok. Nice setup!