Dovetail Weights

Fine Balance Without More Counterweight

A dovetail weight adds mass on the telescope side of the axis, which lets you shift the balance point without moving the tube or adding a large counterweight below.

• Short tubes with heavy cameras: A compact refractor with a filter wheel and camera can shift the balance point behind the rings' adjustment range, which a small forward weight corrects.
• Declination axis balance: Weights mounted on an accessory rail correct imbalance perpendicular to the tube, which is otherwise awkward to address.
• Sliding adjustment: Weights that slide along the dovetail let you fine-tune balance without changing the weight itself.
• Less total mass: Adding a small weight near the axis achieves the same balance as a much larger counterweight far below it, which reduces total payload.
• Rotational inertia: Keeping mass close to the axis lowers inertia, which generally improves how the mount responds to guiding corrections.
• Dovetail standard: Weights are made for Vixen or Losmandy bars, and must match the bar you are mounting them on.

Why Choose David Astro for Dovetail Weights

Balance problems have several solutions, and adding weight is not always the best one.

• Alternatives considered first: A longer dovetail or repositioned rings often solves the problem without adding mass, and we will say when that applies.
• Both axes addressed: We help diagnose whether your imbalance is in right ascension, declination or both, since the fix differs.
• Standard matched: We confirm the weight fits your dovetail standard before shipping.
• Authorized dealer: Genuine hardware with manufacturer warranty, in Canadian stock.
• Ships from Canada: No duties or brokerage fees for Canadian buyers.

Dovetail Weights in Canada — Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need a dovetail weight?

When your rings have reached the end of the bar and the telescope still will not balance, usually because a heavy camera train has moved the centre of mass too far back.

Is a longer dovetail better than a weight?

Usually, because it adds adjustment range rather than mass. A weight is the right answer when a longer bar is not available or would foul the mount.

Does adding weight hurt my payload?

It counts against it, but a small weight near the axis substitutes for a much larger counterweight below, so the net effect on total system mass is often favourable.

How do I balance in declination?

Rotate the mount so the tube points horizontally with the counterweight bar level, then check whether the telescope wants to rotate about its own long axis. A weight on an accessory rail corrects it.

Struggling to balance?

Tell us your rig and where the balance point sits and we will suggest the fix. Ships from Canada.