OCAL 3.0 pro max VS OCAL 4.0

6 replies221 views
Gabriel avatar

Hi,

I’m currently looking for a good tool to improve the collimation of my newtonian telescope, and so I found the well known OCAL collimator.

I thought the last one was the 3.0 pro max but no, the 4.0 is now out. It seems to have better resolution but a smaller aperture.

My question is, why is the 4.0 100€ cheaper than the 3.0 pro max ??

if you have any advice about this or an advice for which one should I buy, I’m taking !

thanks in advance !

CS

Gabriel

andrea tasselli avatar
An autocollimator, if it can be found.
Christian Bennich avatar

I cannot speak to why the 4 is cheaper, but I’m using the 3 Max, and very happy with it.

Easy and precise.

Well Written
Tony Gondola avatar

Take a look at MetaGuide’s collimation feature, it wont cost you a dime…

Gabriel avatar

Tony Gondola · Aug 29, 2025, 11:59 PM

Take a look at MetaGuide’s collimation feature, it wont cost you a dime…

Yes but it doesn't give an answer to my question :(

Gabriel avatar

Christian Bennich · Aug 29, 2025, 04:46 PM

I cannot speak to why the 4 is cheaper, but I’m using the 3 Max, and very happy with it.

Easy and precise.

Some told me Ocal is not selling enough 3.0 so they decided to lower the price of the 4.0 but.. Hum not convinced 🙄

Deepan Vishal avatar

My question is, why is the 4.0 100€ cheaper than the 3.0 pro max ??

if you have any advice about this or an advice for which one should I buy, I’m taking !

There’s a page on OCALs website showing differences between these cameras. It is vague though.

I am new to newtonians, using the Ocal 3.0 max and I am very happy with the results. (My setup is F2.8 and very sensitive to collimation.)

When I purchased them, there were not many videos on how to use them and it took time to figure out how to use it to get perfect results.

Just an extra piece of advice, Ocal is just a digital cheshire and will not solve all the problems related to collimation. If you have a good understanding of the collimation, you’ll find it easier to collimate with it. .

Related discussions
Which is the better move to improve the definition of my captures?
Hi, I am currently using a TS CFAPO90F6 with a field flattener (540 or 1080mm focal length with a telemate x2), an OSC ASI2600MC, guiding with evoguide50ED and ASI290MM on an AM5. I was looking for more aperture ,in visual my fever ended up with a 22...
Nov 20, 2024
Both posts are from astronomy enthusiasts seeking advice on equipment upgrades to improve their telescope performance.
Optimized Newtonian - Is it worth it?
There are a lot of ways I can think of that the current crop of Newtonian Astrographs can be improved. Lets restrict the conversation to apertures between 6 and 10 inches. 1.) Lowering the focal plane relative to the side of the tube (eliminate the f...
Jul 28, 2025
Both posts discuss methods and tools for optimizing newtonian telescope performance, with one focusing on collimation equipment selection and the other on potential design improvements for newtonian astrographs.
Stuck on Next Steps for My Astrophotography Setup – Need Input!
Hi everyone, I’m looking to upgrade my astrophotography setup, but I’m torn between several options and would love to get your expert opinions! PS: I dont intend to turn this into a yet-another OSC vs mono debate Just a recommendation on options, alo...
Jan 26, 2025
Both posts are requests for equipment purchasing advice from astronomy enthusiasts seeking community recommendations for telescope-related gear upgrades.