Saddles & Dovetail Clamps
The saddle is the clamp on top of the mount that grips the telescope's dovetail bar. A weak or worn saddle is a common source of flexure, slipping and poor guiding, especially with heavy tubes. Upgrading to a dual saddle that accepts both Vixen and Losmandy bars also lets you move one telescope between different mounts without changing hardware.
We carry Baader V-Series and DV-Series saddles, PrimaLuceLab PLUS clamps in standard, Big, Maxi and Observatory sizes, Software Bisque Versa-Plates for Paramount mounts, iOptron dual saddles and William Optics saddle handle bars.
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William Optics Cat 51 Handle Bar
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
Length: 107 mm Integrated Mini-Vixen Style Saddle Weight: 0.12 kg / 0.26 lbs Designed for the William Optics Cat 51 Adds a carrying handle and acc...
View full detailsPrimaLuceLab Dovetail Clamp Vixen+Losmandy PLUS
Accepts both Vixen-style and Losmandy-style dovetail plates Part of the modular PrimaLuceLab PLUS system High-precision CNC machined from a solid ...
View full detailsPrimaLuceLab Big Dovetail Clamp Vixen+Losmandy PLUS
Accepts both Vixen and Losmandy-style dovetail plates CNC machined from a single block of aluminum for maximum rigidity Hard-anodized finish for d...
View full detailsWilliam Optics 120mm Saddle Handle Bar
120 mm Length 44 mm Width Integrated Mini-Vixen Style Saddle Patented Handlebar Design Lightweight and Durable Construction Description FAQ Spe...
View full detailsWilliam Optics 243mm Saddle Handle Bar
5.0 / 5.0
1 Review
243mm total length Functions as both a carrying handle and an accessory saddle Patented design for rigidity and ergonomics Mini-Vixen style saddle...
View full detailsPrimaLuceLab HEQ5, Sirius EQ-G PLUS Adapter Plate
Adapter plate for Sky-Watcher HEQ5 and Orion Sirius EQ-G mounts Lets you fit a PrimaLuceLab Vixen+Losmandy PLUS dovetail clamp (sold separately) C...
View full detailsPrimaLuceLab Maxi Dovetail Clamp Vixen+Losmandy PLUS
Single clamp accepts both Vixen and Losmandy-style dovetail plates CNC-machined from a solid block of aluminum for maximum rigidity Hard-anodized ...
View full detailsWilliam Optics Saddle Plate for Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate - 90mm
Length: 90 mm Dovetail Type: Vixen-Style Weight: 230 g (0.51 lbs) Full-Length, Non-Marring Clamp Signature William Optics Red Anodized Finish D...
View full detailsPrimaLuceLab EQ6, Atlas EQ-G, AZ-EQ6, Atlas Pro AZ/EQ6-G PLUS Adapter Plate
Adapter for EQ6, Atlas EQ-G, AZ-EQ6, and Atlas Pro Mounts Enables Installation of a PLUS Vixen+Losmandy Clamp Creates a More Stable Connection Tha...
View full detailsiOptron Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle
Accepts Vixen-style dovetail bars Accepts Losmandy-style dovetail bars Dual-saddle design for mounting versatility Description FAQ Specificatio...
View full detailsiOptron Ball Head Top Plate
Replacement Top Plate for iOptron Ball Heads Holds a Camera on the iOptron Ball Head Creates a Lightweight, Portable Astrophotography Platform Ide...
View full detailsPrimaLuceLab Observatory Dovetail Clamp Vixen+Losmandy PLUS
Supports both Vixen and Losmandy-style dovetail bars Designed for heavy telescope payloads Multiple locking blocks for secure, rigid attachment Fu...
View full detailsBaader Planetarium Rider Clamp 3" / 60, fitting for Stronghold
Accepts standard 3" Losmandy D-style dovetail bars 60mm wide, with matching holes and screws for the Stronghold Also drilled for Baader guidescope...
View full detailsSVBONY Red Medium Dovetail Clamp
Supports a 10kg load capacity Vixen-style dovetail with a 39.5mm top and 45mm bottom opening Non-marring brass locking screw Mounting holes: M6, 1...
View full detailsSoftware Bisque Paramount MX/MX+ Versa-Plate
Direct replacement for Software Bisque Paramount MX and MX+ mounts Universal hole pattern accepts most telescope mounting hardware Integrated fema...
View full detailsSoftware Bisque Paramount Taurus Mounting Ring Dovetail Saddle
Interfaces Truss-Tube Telescopes to Paramount Taurus Fork Arms Functions as a Dovetail Saddle for a Secure Connection Designed Specifically for So...
View full detailsSoftware Bisque Paramount ME II Large Dovetail Rails
Adapts Paramount ME II Versa-Plate for Planewave-style dovetails Compatible with PlaneWave Instruments and Officina Stellare telescopes Four rails...
View full detailsSoftware Bisque Paramount MEII Versa-Plate
Shipping weight: 7 lbs Accepts the optional Large Dovetail accessory Compatibility: Paramount ME & ME II Mounts Interface: Built-in Female Dov...
View full detailsSoftware Bisque Paramount MYT Versa-Plate
Designed for the Software Bisque Paramount MYT Mount Pre-drilled with a wide array of mounting holes Integrated female dovetail for direct mountin...
View full detailsBaader V-Series Dovetail Clamp
Compatible with Vixen/Synta Style Dovetails Massive EQ-Clamp, Black Anodized 70mm Long Ideal for Custom Mounting Solutions Description FAQ Spec...
View full detailsBaader DV-Series PAN/EQ Dual Doverail Saddle - 370mm
Accommodates both 3" Losmandy D-style and Vixen V-style dovetail bars Extended length improves balance and acts as a functional counterweight Feat...
View full detailsBaader 3" 60mm Losmandy Rider Clamp
Fits standard 3-inch Losmandy D-style dovetail bars 60mm long clamp for Baader guidescope rings or a V-clamp Securely holds heavy accessories like...
View full detailsBaader V-Series PAN/EQ V190 Dovetail Saddle
Accepts Vixen-style (EQ Standard) dovetail bars 190 mm total length for maximum stability Features a 3-inch Losmandy-style dovetail on the base Tw...
View full detailsBaader DV-Series PAN/EQ Dual Doverail Saddle - 230mm
Accepts both 3" Losmandy and Vixen/EQ style dovetails 230mm overall length for enhanced stability Multi-contact ribbed dovetail faces for optimize...
View full detailsWhat to Look For
- Dovetail standard: Vixen-style bars are about 44 mm wide, Losmandy-style about 75 mm. Dual saddles take both.
- Clamping method: Long clamping jaws with two or more screws spread the force and hold better than a single thumb screw.
- Length: A longer saddle supports the bar over more of its length, reducing flexure on heavy tubes.
- Mount interface: Many saddles need an adapter plate for a specific mount, such as HEQ5 or EQ6. We confirm the match.
Saddles and Clamps: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Losmandy bar on a Vixen saddle?
No. You need a dual saddle or a Losmandy saddle. Dual saddles are a popular upgrade for this reason.
Why does my telescope slip in the saddle?
Usually a single screw clamping a narrow contact area, or a bar with the wrong profile. A saddle with two clamping screws and a full-length jaw solves most cases.
Upgrading your saddle?
Tell us your mount and dovetail bars. We will confirm the saddle and any adapter plate.