Skip to content
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.
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.
Explore Scientific Large Vixen-Style Saddle Plate - Discontinued

Explore Scientific Large Vixen-Style Saddle Plate - Discontinued

by Explore Scientific
SKU ES-VXNLG
Sold out
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
$59.99 - $59.99
$59.99
Price Match Policy!
  • Large Vixen-Style Mounting Plate
  • Solid, Single-Piece Extruded Aluminum Construction
  • Black Anodized Finish for Durability
  • Provides a Rigid and Secure Connection
  • Compatible with a Wide Range of Vixen-Type Mount Saddles
Out of stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in CONUS on orders over $350.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Explore Scientific Large Vixen-Style Saddle Plate

    The Explore Scientific Large Vixen-Style Saddle Plate creates the single most critical connection in your imaging setup: the one between your optical tube and your mount. Engineered from a solid piece of extruded aluminum, this plate ensures your telescope remains securely attached, providing the stability required for sharp, steady views and precise tracking. Its rigid, lightweight design and durable black anodized finish make it an essential hardware component for any astronomer using a Vixen-style mount.

    A Rigid Foundation for Vixen-Style Mounts

    While often overlooked, a high-quality saddle plate is the foundation of a stable telescope system. This large Vixen-style plate from Explore Scientific is designed to eliminate flexure and instability at the point of connection. It serves as the secure interface between your optical tube assembly (OTA) and the mount's saddle, preventing subtle shifts that can ruin a long exposure or frustrate visual observing at high power.

    This plate adheres to the industry-standard Vixen dovetail profile, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide array of popular mounts. By providing a solid, reliable attachment, you can focus on observing and imaging, confident that your equipment is safe and stable.

    Extruded Aluminum and Anodized Finish for Rigidity

    This saddle plate is manufactured from a single, solid piece of extruded aluminum, a process that ensures structural integrity and high strength-to-weight ratio. Unlike cast or multi-part plates, this one-piece design has no weak points, offering maximum rigidity to support your telescope without adding unnecessary weight to the mount.

    The entire plate is finished with a sleek, black anodization. This is not merely a cosmetic feature; the anodized coating creates a hard, corrosion-resistant surface that protects the aluminum from scratches, moisture, and wear. This durable finish ensures the plate will provide a secure connection for years of use in the field.

  • What is the purpose of the Explore Scientific Large Vixen-Style Saddle Plate?

    The primary purpose of this saddle plate is to securely attach your telescope's optical tube assembly (OTA) to a mount that uses a Vixen-style saddle. It acts as the mechanical interface, ensuring a rigid and stable connection that is critical for both visual astronomy and astrophotography.

    What mounts are compatible with this Explore Scientific Vixen-style plate?

    This plate is designed to fit any mount equipped with a standard Vixen-style (or "V-style") saddle. This includes a wide range of popular mounts from brands like Celestron (Advanced VX), Sky-Watcher, iOptron, and Explore Scientific itself. Always check your mount's specifications to confirm it accepts Vixen-style dovetails.

    What is the benefit of the extruded aluminum construction of this saddle plate?

    Extruded aluminum offers a superior combination of strength and low weight compared to cast metal. Because the Explore Scientific plate is made from a single, solid piece of extruded aluminum, it has no joints or weak points, providing maximum rigidity to prevent any flexure between your telescope and mount.

    Will this Explore Scientific plate fit my Celestron 8" SCT for use on an Advanced VX mount?

    Yes, this is an excellent application for this plate. The Celestron Advanced VX mount uses a Vixen-style saddle, and this plate is fully compatible. You will need the appropriate bolts to attach the plate to the mounting holes on the underside of your 8" SCT, but the plate itself will fit the mount's saddle perfectly.

    Why is the black anodized finish important on this saddle plate?

    The black anodized finish provides a hard, durable, and corrosion-resistant surface. This protects the aluminum from scratches and environmental factors like dew and humidity that can cause oxidation over time. It ensures longevity and maintains a secure, non-slip grip within the mount's saddle.

    I want to mount my Explore Scientific ED127 refractor on a Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro. Is this the right plate?

    No, this plate is not the correct choice for that combination. The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro mount features a dual saddle that accepts both Vixen-style and the larger, more robust Losmandy-style ("D-style") plates. For a telescope of the size and weight of an ED127, a Losmandy-style plate is strongly recommended for maximum stability. This Vixen-style plate is better suited for lighter telescopes.

  • GTIN 812257016655

    • Explore Scientific Large Vixen-Style Saddle Plate

      × 1

  • Explore Scientific Warranty