Howie Glatter Single 650nm Red Beam Laser Collimator - 2"

15 Arc-Second Alignment for Pinpoint Accuracy

The fundamental requirement of a laser collimator is that its beam is perfectly parallel to its body. The Howie Glatter collimator is factory-aligned to a tolerance of 15 arc-seconds, which translates to a deviation of just 0.1 inch at a distance of 20 feet. This level of precision ensures that the reference line your entire optical system is adjusted against is true, eliminating the asymmetric aberrations caused by a misaligned laser and leading to sharper, higher-contrast images.

Drop-Tested on 3 Axes for Field Reliability

A collimator that loses its own alignment is useless. To prevent this, every Howie Glatter laser collimator is subjected to a rigorous shock test before leaving the factory. Each unit is struck at least a dozen times on three axes against a urethane block, simulating a drop from the focuser, and its 15 arc-second alignment is re-verified. This robust construction ensures the collimator maintains its precision use after use, even when handled in demanding field conditions.

The Included 1mm Aperture Stop for Precise Centering

The raw beam from a laser diode is naturally fuzzy and elliptical. To achieve the highest collimation accuracy, you need to identify the exact center of this spot. This collimator includes a removable 1 mm aperture stop that push-fits into the laser aperture, transforming the beam into a tiny, circular point. At a distance, this focused beam creates a star-like diffraction pattern with a central dot and surrounding rings, making it far easier to judge precise centering on your primary mirror's mark or on the collimator's face.

2-Inch Format with 3/8-32 Thread for Upgradability

This collimator fits 2" eyepiece holders. The front of the unit also features a 3/8-32 thread, allowing you to expand its capabilities with optional accessories. By adding a holographic attachment (sold separately), you can convert this single-beam laser into a patterned projector for dot-free secondary alignment or advanced primary mirror collimation techniques.

Howie Glatter 650nm vs. 635nm: Choosing Your Wavelength

While both the 650 nm and 635 nm Howie Glatter lasers have the same 5 mW power output, the human eye perceives the 635 nm wavelength as two to three times brighter. This makes the 635 nm version a better choice if you frequently collimate in twilight or other bright ambient light conditions.

For most users who collimate in darkness, the 650 nm laser is perfectly adequate and more economical. Because a single-beam collimator concentrates all its light into one spot, the 650 nm beam remains easily visible for precise adjustments without the added cost of the shorter wavelength diode.