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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.

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Baader Planetarium Dovetail Bar 3", 610mm (24") – for Celestron / Custom builds

SKU BAA-1501625
Original price $182.00 - Original price $182.00
Original price
$182.00
$182.00 - $182.00
Current price $182.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 3" Losmandy-Style Dovetail
  • 610mm (24") Total Length
  • Black Anodized Finish
  • Ideal for Celestron OTAs and Custom Builds
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  • Description
  • FAQ
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  • In the Box
  • Warranty
  • Dovetail Bar 3", 610mm (24") – for Celestron / Custom builds

    The Baader 3" Losmandy Dovetail Bar provides a rigid, 610mm (24") mounting platform engineered for large optical tube assemblies and custom imaging rigs. This bar is the foundation for a stable, flexure-free connection between your heavy telescope and a high-capacity equatorial mount, ensuring precise tracking and alignment throughout your session.

    The 3" Losmandy Standard for Heavy-Duty Support

    This dovetail bar adheres to the 3-inch "D-style" Losmandy standard, which is the industry benchmark for mounting heavy instrumentation. The wider 3" profile creates a substantially larger contact area with the mount saddle compared to the narrower Vixen style, dramatically increasing rigidity and preventing torsional flexure under heavy or off-axis loads. It is the required standard for most large Celestron SCTs and other OTAs in the 40+ pound class.

    A 610mm (24") Platform for Large OTAs and Custom Rigs

    At a length of 610mm (24"), this Baader dovetail offers exceptional latitude for mounting and balancing. The extended length allows you to easily slide your optical tube forward or backward to achieve perfect equilibrium, even with a heavy imaging train of cameras, filter wheels, and off-axis guiders. For custom builders, the 24" length provides ample real estate for mounting multiple instruments side-by-side or for attaching guidescopes and other accessories directly to the bar.

    Why a 3" Bar? The Losmandy Standard vs. Vixen

    While the Vixen-style dovetail is lighter and ubiquitous on smaller telescopes and mounts, it becomes a point of mechanical failure when used with larger, heavier optical tubes. The primary advantage of this Baader 3" Losmandy bar is its resistance to flexure.

    • Vixen Standard Advantage: Lighter weight and compatibility with a wider range of entry-level and portable mounts.
    • 3" Losmandy Advantage: Superior strength and stability. The wider base prevents the OTA from twisting or sagging, which is critical for maintaining collimation and achieving sharp, round stars during long exposures. This is not just an accessory; it is a necessary structural upgrade for serious imaging with heavy equipment.
  • Will this 610mm Baader bar fit my Celestron C11 OTA for better balancing?

    Yes, absolutely. A Celestron C11 or C14 benefits greatly from a long 610mm (24") bar like this one. It provides the necessary length to slide the OTA and achieve perfect balance, especially when you have a heavy camera, filter wheel, or even a guidescope attached.

    I have a custom-built 10" Newtonian. Is this 24" bar long enough to balance it?

    A 24" bar is an excellent choice for a 10" Newtonian, which often has a long tube and requires a wide balancing range. This Baader bar provides ample length to not only balance the main OTA but also to mount a guidescope and other accessories without running out of space.

    What is the difference between this 3" Losmandy bar and a standard Vixen bar?

    The primary difference is size and rigidity. A 3" Losmandy bar is significantly wider and stronger, designed to support heavy telescopes without flexing. A Vixen-style bar is narrower and lighter, suitable for smaller, more portable setups. For any serious astrophotography with a large telescope, the 3" Losmandy standard is essential for stability.

    What kind of mount do I need to use the Baader 3" Losmandy Dovetail Bar?

    You need a mount equipped with a dual "D/V" saddle or a dedicated "D-style" Losmandy saddle. Most mid-to-high-end equatorial mounts from brands like Celestron (CGEM, CGX, CGE Pro), Sky-Watcher, iOptron, and Losmandy are compatible with the 3" standard.

    Why is the black anodized finish on the Baader Dovetail Bar important?

    The black anodized finish serves two purposes. First, it provides a durable, scratch-resistant surface that protects the aluminum from corrosion. Second, the matte black finish minimizes stray light reflections near the telescope, which helps to maintain image contrast.

    Can I mount other accessories onto this 610mm Baader bar besides my telescope?

    Yes. The long 610mm (24") platform is ideal for creating custom configurations. Many astronomers use the extra space to mount guidescopes, finder scopes, or even small, wide-field imaging cameras alongside their main telescope, all on the same rigid bar.

  • Dovetail Standard 3" Losmandy "D" Style
    Length 610mm (24")
    Finish Black Anodized
    • Baader 3" Losmandy Dovetail Bar (610mm)

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  • Baader Planetarium Warranty