What is the purpose of the Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle?
This saddle is designed to attach to a telescope mount and provide a clamping surface that can accept telescopes equipped with either of the two industry-standard dovetail bars: the narrower Vixen-style and the wider Losmandy-style. It offers flexibility for astronomers who own multiple telescopes.
Are there any known issues with the clamping knobs on this Dual Dovetail Saddle?
Yes, based on customer feedback, there are significant concerns. The knobs have been reported to fail to latch onto the internal threading when a telescope is inserted into the rail, which could prevent you from securely locking your optical tube in place. Extreme caution and thorough testing are advised.
What should I know about the screws included with the Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle?
User reports indicate that the levered locking screws may be too short. This can cause them to come out of their threads prematurely, before a safe and secure clamping pressure is achieved. We recommend inspecting the thread engagement carefully with your specific dovetail bar.
Does the Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle I receive match the product images?
According to user feedback, there can be discrepancies between the product pictured and the item that is shipped. This includes potential differences in the physical dimensions. We recommend verifying the product upon arrival to ensure it meets your requirements.
How would this Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle handle a heavy telescope like an 8" SCT?
Given the reported issues with screw engagement and knob latching, we would advise extreme caution when using this saddle with a heavy instrument like an 8" Schmidt-Cassegrain. The potential for the clamp to not secure properly poses a major safety risk to heavy optics. You should thoroughly test the clamp's security before trusting it with a payload.
Is this Vixen/Losmandy Dual Dovetail Saddle a good choice for a portable setup with a small refractor?
While a lighter telescope puts less stress on the clamping mechanism, the fundamental reported issues with the knobs and screws remain. Even with a small refractor, you should carefully verify that the knobs can latch and the screws can engage sufficiently to hold the instrument securely during use.
