William 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
Upgrade your mount with the William Optics 90mm Saddle Plate, engineered for a secure, non-marring connection with any Vixen-style dovetail. Weighing just 230g (0.51 lbs), this precision-machined saddle provides a rigid, full-surface clamp without adding significant mass to your portable imaging or observing setup.
This saddle plate replaces basic, single-screw locks with a full-length clamping bar. This design makes contact along the entire 90 mm length of the saddle, distributing pressure evenly and creating a far more secure connection that prevents slipping and rotation. Most importantly, it protects the finish on your dovetail bars from the gouges and scratches common with single-bolt systems.
At only 230 g, this saddle is an ideal upgrade for portable star trackers and small equatorial mounts where payload capacity is critical. The compact 90 mm length provides ample stability for wide-field refractors and telephoto lens setups without introducing unnecessary weight or leverage. While perfect for compact systems, users with longer optical tubes may prefer a longer saddle for additional stability.
Many entry-level mounts are supplied with a simple saddle that uses one or two thumbscrews to hold the telescope. This William Optics saddle represents a significant upgrade in both function and form.
The primary advantage is security and equipment care. Its full-length clamping bar provides a much larger contact area than a simple thumbscrew, preventing your telescope from slipping or rotating. This design also avoids scratching or denting your Vixen-style dovetail bars, preserving your equipment's condition.
Yes, this is a very popular upgrade for portable trackers like the Star Adventurer and iOptron SkyGuider Pro. Its low weight of 230 g ensures it doesn't overburden the tracker's payload capacity, while providing a much more stable and reliable mounting platform than the standard ball head or small Vixen clamp.
Yes. The saddle uses a flat, smooth clamping mechanism that presses firmly against the dovetail bar instead of a pointed screw that digs into it. This non-marring design is a key feature for astronomers who want to keep their equipment in pristine condition.
Absolutely. The 90 mm length is an excellent match for compact, wide-field refractors like the William Optics RedCat, Zenithstar, or similar telescopes. It provides a very secure base for imaging and visual use without being excessively large or heavy for the telescope.
Installation typically requires standard metric hex keys (Allen wrenches) to attach the saddle to your specific mount head. The required bolts and their sizes depend on the mount you are attaching it to. Mounting hardware is generally not included with the saddle itself.
No. This saddle is designed exclusively for the narrower Vixen-style dovetail standard. It will not accept the wider Losmandy D-style plates.
| Length | 90 mm |
| Dovetail Type | Vixen |
| Weight | 230 g / 0.51 lbs |
William Optics Saddle Plate for Vixen-Style Dovetail Plate - 90mm
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