Orion Optics UK Losmandy Attachment Plate 400mm Long
- Length: 400mm
- Dovetail Standard: Losmandy D-Style
- Compatibility: Losmandy & Paramount Mounts
- Construction: Solid, single-piece aero-grade aluminum
- Telescope Fit: Orion Optics UK CT & AG models
The Losmandy attachment plate 400mm long (AG12) provides the critical, rock-solid connection between your Orion Optics UK telescope and a high-capacity Losmandy or Paramount equatorial mount. Machined from a single block of aero-grade aluminum, this plate is engineered to eliminate mechanical flexure, ensuring your mount's tracking accuracy is perfectly transferred to your optical tube for sharp, stable imaging.
This 400mm dovetail plate serves as the structural backbone for mounting large optical tube assemblies. Following the general principle of matching plate length to telescope aperture, the AG12 is the ideal choice for instruments in the 400mm (approx. 16") class, such as Orion Optics UK's CT and AG telescopes. It creates a long contact area within the mount saddle, preventing slippage and vibration that can compromise guiding and image quality.
Unlike extruded dovetail bars which can harbor internal stresses, this plate is CNC machined from a solid billet of aero-grade aluminum. This method results in a component with exceptional rigidity and dimensional stability, completely free of the potential for bending or twisting under the load of a heavy instrument and imaging train. For long-exposure astrophotography, where even microscopic shifts can blur detail, this zero-flexure design is not a luxury—it's a necessity.
The Losmandy "D-style" standard is physically wider and more substantial than the Vixen "V-style" standard. For a telescope large enough to require a 400mm mounting plate, the increased surface area and clamping force of the Losmandy system are essential for safety and stability. While Vixen-style plates are excellent for smaller, lighter telescopes, the D-style plate is the correct engineering choice for securely managing the torque and weight of a large OTA, especially in windy conditions or when loaded with heavy cameras and accessories.
The AG12 400mm plate is designed to securely attach large Orion Optics UK telescopes, specifically the CT and AG models, to equatorial mounts that use the Losmandy D-style saddle, such as those from Losmandy and Paramount.
No, this plate will not fit a standard Vixen-style saddle. It is a wider Losmandy "D-style" plate. To use it with a Vixen-compatible mount, you would need a dual Vixen/Losmandy saddle or a specific adapter, though for an OTA requiring a 400mm plate, upgrading the mount saddle to the more robust Losmandy standard is highly recommended.
This plate is intended for large optical tube assemblies. A good rule of thumb is to match the plate length to the telescope's aperture. Therefore, the 400mm plate is the ideal choice for telescopes with an aperture of or around 400mm (approximately 16 inches).
A plate machined from a solid block of aluminum has superior structural integrity compared to an extruded bar. For a heavy 16-inch telescope, this eliminates the risk of flexure between the telescope and the mount. Any amount of flex can cause trailed stars and poor guiding during long-exposure astrophotography, making a solid, machined plate essential for serious imaging.
Yes. This plate can serve as a rigid base for mounting additional accessories. You can attach guide scope rings or other smaller dovetail plates (like a Vixen-style bar for a guide camera) to it, creating a stable, integrated platform for your entire imaging setup.
Yes, the 400mm plate would be an excellent choice. While the general rule is to match length to aperture, using a slightly longer plate provides more surface area for mounting and allows for more adjustment range when balancing the telescope on the mount. A 400mm plate is perfectly suitable and often preferred for a 350mm OTA.
| Model | AG12 |
| Length | 400mm |
| Dovetail Style | Losmandy (D-Style) |
| Material | Aero-grade aluminum |
| Construction | Machined from a solid plate |
| Primary Mount Compatibility | Losmandy, Paramount |
| Primary Telescope Compatibility | Orion Optics UK CT, AG models |