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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.

Filters

iOptron Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle
$178.00 USD - $178.00 USD
$178.00 USD
$178.00 USD - $178.00 USD
$178.00 USD

iOptron Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle

Accepts Vixen-style dovetail bars Accepts Losmandy-style dovetail bars Dual-saddle design for mounting versatility Description FAQ Specificatio...

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$178.00 USD - $178.00 USD
$178.00 USD
$178.00 USD - $178.00 USD
$178.00 USD
iOptron Ball Head Top Plate
$16.00 USD - $16.00 USD
$16.00 USD
$16.00 USD - $16.00 USD
$16.00 USD

iOptron 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...

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$16.00 USD - $16.00 USD
$16.00 USD
$16.00 USD - $16.00 USD
$16.00 USD

What 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.