-
Baader DV-Series PAN/EQ Dual Doverail Saddle - 230mm
The Baader DV-Series PAN/EQ Dual Doverail Saddle establishes a rigid, 230mm mounting platform for virtually any telescope. Its dual-interface design natively accepts both 3-inch Losmandy-style and Vixen/EQ-style dovetail bars, eliminating the need for cumbersome adapters and flex-inducing component stacks.
Universal OTA Compatibility: 3" Losmandy and Vixen-Style Support
This saddle is engineered to be the last one you'll need. By accommodating both the wider 3" Losmandy "D-style" and the narrower Vixen/Celestron/Sky-Watcher "V-style" dovetails in a single clamp, you can seamlessly switch between heavy deep-sky instruments and lighter wide-field refractors without ever touching your mount hardware. Baader has pre-drilled the saddle with a comprehensive pattern of fastening holes, ensuring direct compatibility with a wide range of mounts from all major manufacturers.
Secure Grip: Multi-Contact Ribbed Dovetail Faces
The 230mm length of the saddle provides an extensive contact area, crucial for preventing flexure and maintaining alignment with long or heavy optical tubes. The clamp is tightened with thumb-knobs above the mounting surface and grips the bar with multi-contact ribbed dovetail faces, shaped for as many contact points with the rail as possible. Stainless steel inserts give long-lasting function and allow fastening with a 5mm Allen wrench.
Baader PAN/EQ Saddle vs. Single-Standard Adapters: A Matter of Rigidity
For imagers, system rigidity is paramount. The alternative to a dual saddle often involves stacking adapters—placing a Vixen saddle on top of a Losmandy plate, for instance. Each additional component introduces a new potential point of flexure, compromising tracking accuracy and star shapes. The Baader PAN/EQ saddle clamps both dovetail types directly, so no adapter stack is needed between your mount and telescope. This robust construction is the foundation for a stable imaging platform.
-
What makes the Baader PAN/EQ Dual Saddle different from a standard saddle?
A standard saddle accepts only one type of dovetail bar, either the 3" Losmandy standard or the narrower Vixen/EQ standard. The Baader PAN/EQ Dual Saddle is designed to securely clamp both types, allowing you to use telescopes with different dovetail bars on the same mount without needing to swap hardware.
I have an 11" SCT with a Losmandy bar and a 4" refractor with a Vixen bar. Will the Baader 230mm saddle work for both?
Yes, this is the ideal application for the Baader 230mm Dual Saddle. Its dual-clamp design allows you to switch between your SCT (using the Losmandy-style clamp) and your refractor (using the Vixen-style clamp) in seconds, providing a secure, native connection for both instruments.
Is the 230mm length of the Baader Dual Saddle stable enough for imaging with a long refractor like a 130mm f/7?
Absolutely. The 230mm length is a significant advantage for long optical tubes. It provides a very long contact surface with the dovetail bar, which greatly reduces torsional flex and vibration, especially compared to shorter saddles. This enhanced stability is critical for long-exposure astrophotography.
Can I mount the 230mm Baader Dual Saddle on my specific brand of mount?
The Baader PAN/EQ saddle is designed for near-universal compatibility. It features a wide array of pre-drilled and countersunk holes configured to match the mounting patterns of most commercially available mounts from brands like Celestron, Sky-Watcher, iOptron, and others. You should be able to find a set of holes that allows for a direct, secure attachment.
What are the advantages of a 230mm long saddle over a shorter one?
A longer saddle provides a more stable and rigid connection between the mount and the telescope. Key benefits include:
-
Reduced Flexure: The extended length distributes the load over a larger area, minimizing sag and flex, which is vital for heavy OTAs.
-
Better Balance: It offers more surface area to slide the telescope forward or backward, making it easier to achieve precise balance.
-
Improved Vibration Damping: The longer, more solid connection helps to dampen vibrations more effectively than a short saddle.
-
| Net weight (kg) |
0.85 |
| Thread Drillings for |
10Micron, Astro Physics, Baader GuideScope Rings, Baader Stronghold, Celestron C8, Celestron C9¼, Takahashi, Vixen |
| Bar or Clamp? |
Clamp |
| Dual mounting |
Yes |
| Screws included? |
No |
| Clamping System |
Dovetail clamp |
| Design |
3“ (76mm) Losmandy, V (44mm) Celestron/Vixen |
| Bar length |
230 mm |
| Kind |
Dual dovetail clamp (saddle) |
| Fits (mount / scope) |
3in Losmandy and EQ (Vixen/Celestron/Skywatcher) dovetails, minimum dovetail length 190 mm |
-
-
-
Baader Planetarium Warranty
