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Baader Z(AP) Dovetail Bar - 200mm
The Baader Z(AP) Dovetail Bar provides a secure 200mm mounting platform engineered specifically for telescopes used on classic Zeiss and Astro-Physics mounts. This 200mm length offers ample room for adjusting optical tube balance, a critical requirement for maintaining the tracking accuracy these high-precision mounts are known for.
A 200mm Bar for Zeiss and Astro-Physics Mounts
This dovetail bar is not a universal fit; it is a specialty component designed to mate perfectly with the saddle clamps on specific Zeiss and Astro-Physics mounts. The 200mm length is ideal for smaller refractors, guidescopes, or other auxiliary instruments, providing the correct mechanical interface and enough travel to achieve perfect balance over the declination axis.
The Z-Dovetail Profile: A Dedicated, Non-Standard Interface
Unlike the more common Vixen or Losmandy standards, the "Z" profile is a distinct dovetail shape required by these specific mount manufacturers. Attempting to use a different style of dovetail will result in an insecure and potentially damaging connection. This Baader bar ensures a solid, full-contact lock-down, preventing any flexure or slippage during long exposures or slewing.
Z(AP) Dovetail vs. Vixen & Losmandy Standards
It is crucial to distinguish this bar from the two dominant industry standards to prevent incorrect purchases. The Z(AP) bar is dimensionally incompatible with saddles designed for other systems.
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Vixen-Style ("V"): A narrower, 45mm wide bar with a pronounced V-shape. This is the most common standard for smaller, lighter telescopes.
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Losmandy-Style ("D"): A wider, 3-inch (76mm) bar, typically used for heavier instruments.
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Zeiss/AP ("Z"): This bar features its own unique profile and dimensions. It will not seat properly in either a Vixen or Losmandy saddle, and vice-versa.
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What mounts is the Baader Z(AP) 200mm Dovetail Bar compatible with?
This dovetail bar is specifically designed for select mounts from Zeiss and Astro-Physics that use the "Z" profile dovetail system. It is a non-standard size and will not fit the more common Vixen or Losmandy style saddles.
Will the Baader Z(AP) bar fit my Vixen or Losmandy-style saddle?
No. The Z(AP) profile is dimensionally different from both Vixen ("V") and Losmandy ("D") standards. This bar is exclusively for mounts requiring the Zeiss/AP dovetail shape and will not seat securely or safely in any other type of saddle clamp.
Why do Zeiss and Astro-Physics use a different dovetail standard?
High-end mount manufacturers often develop proprietary mechanical interfaces to ensure maximum rigidity and precision, tailored to their specific engineering goals. The Z-dovetail standard was created to provide a highly secure connection for their instruments before the Vixen and Losmandy styles became de facto industry standards.
How do I know if the 200mm length is right for my telescope?
A 200mm length is generally suitable for smaller to medium-sized refractors or for mounting a guidescope alongside a main imaging telescope. The key is having enough length to slide the telescope forward or backward in the saddle to achieve perfect balance, especially after adding accessories like cameras, filter wheels, or heavy eyepieces.
What kind of telescopes are best suited for the Baader 200mm Z(AP) bar?
This bar is an excellent choice for mounting instruments like a small apochromatic refractor (e.g., 60-90mm aperture), a guidescope, or finder scope assemblies onto a compatible Zeiss or Astro-Physics mount. It provides the necessary stability without adding excessive weight or bulk.
Is the Baader Z(AP) product a dovetail bar or a clamp?
This product is a dovetail bar. It is the male part of the connection that attaches to your telescope tube rings. This bar then slides into the female saddle clamp that is part of your mount head.
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| Length |
200mm |
| Dovetail Profile |
Z (Zeiss / Astro-Physics) |
| Net weight (kg) |
0.61 |
| Bar or Clamp? |
Clamp |
| Dual mounting |
No |
| Screws included? |
No |
| Clamping System |
Dovetail clamp |
| Design |
Z (40mm) Zeiss/AstroPhysics |
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This product is a single dovetail bar. No additional accessories are included.
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No manual or software is available for this product.
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Baader Planetarium Warranty
