Which Orion Optics UK telescopes is the AG12 350mm Losmandy plate for?
The AG12 350mm Losmandy plate is designed for Orion Optics UK CT (Classical Cassegrain) and AG (Astrograph) telescopes. As a general rule, the plate length should match the aperture of your telescope, making this 350mm plate ideal for instruments around that size.
What mounts are directly compatible with the AG12 350mm Losmandy plate?
This plate features a standard Losmandy D-style dovetail. It is directly compatible with any mount that uses a Losmandy-D saddle plate, including most mounts from Losmandy and Software Bisque (Paramount).
How do I choose the right length Losmandy plate for my telescope?
Orion Optics UK recommends selecting a plate that is approximately the same length as your telescope's aperture. For example, a 350mm (14-inch) telescope would be best paired with this 350mm plate. This ensures the tube is supported adequately by the CNC rings to prevent sagging or flexure.
Can I use the AG12 350mm plate to mount a guidescope on my Orion Optics UK AG12 telescope?
Yes. When your AG12 is mounted to this plate via its CNC rings, you can attach a secondary dovetail bar (such as a Vixen-style bar) to the top of the rings. This provides a platform to mount your guidescope, finder scope, or other accessories parallel to the main optical tube.
I have an EQ6 mount. How can I use the AG12 350mm plate with it?
While an EQ6 mount typically uses a Vixen-style saddle, you can use this Losmandy plate by either replacing the stock saddle with a dual Losmandy/Vixen saddle or by using it as a base plate. The product description notes it can be fitted to base plates to mate CNC tube rings to mounts like the EQ6.
What is the AG12 350mm Losmandy plate made from?
The plate is machined from a single, solid piece of aero-grade aluminum. This construction ensures maximum rigidity and strength with minimal weight, preventing any flexure in your imaging train that could be caused by the telescope's connection to the mount.
