What telescopes work well with the PrimaLuceLab Losmandy Plate 240mm PLUS?
This 240mm plate is designed for medium-sized telescopes, such as refractors up to 130mm in aperture and reflectors up to 200mm. It provides a stable, rigid connection to any mount with a Losmandy-D style saddle, like the Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 or EQ8.
How is the 240mm PLUS plate different from a generic Losmandy plate?
The key difference is its integration into the PrimaLuceLab PLUS system. A generic plate only connects the scope to the mount. The PLUS plate features a precise grid of threaded holes and slots, allowing you to securely attach other PLUS accessories like guide rings, support rings, or clamps without any drilling, creating a truly modular system.
Can I use the PrimaLuceLab Losmandy Plate 240mm PLUS with rings from another brand?
Yes. In addition to the PLUS-specific threaded holes, the plate includes a series of central slots. These slots allow you to attach support rings or other accessories from different manufacturers using standard screws, offering broad compatibility.
I have a Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 mount and a 130mm refractor; is this 240mm plate a good choice?
Absolutely. The 240mm length provides excellent support for a 130mm refractor, and it is natively compatible with the Losmandy-style saddle on your AZ-EQ6 mount. The PLUS system gives you the added benefit of easily attaching a guide scope or other accessories in the future.
How can I use the Losmandy Plate 240mm PLUS to create a side-by-side setup?
To build a side-by-side system, you would typically mount this 240mm plate on your mount's saddle. Then, you would attach two PLUS dovetail clamps onto this plate. This allows you to mount two separate telescopes, each with its own dovetail bar, in parallel on the same mount.
Is the PrimaLuceLab Losmandy Plate 240mm PLUS rigid enough for astrophotography?
Yes. It is CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum, a manufacturing process that ensures maximum structural rigidity. This design minimizes flexure, which is essential for maintaining sharp stars during long-exposure imaging.