How do the Baader BP II Guide Scope Rings prevent scratching my telescope tube?
The Baader BP II rings use a unique adjustment screw design. The 10mm V2A steel tips are covered with a hard rubber sheath, providing a firm but non-marring contact surface. Critically, the tips are mounted on a ball-bearing system, so they do not rotate as you tighten them, preventing any grinding or twisting motion against the telescope's finish.
What is the advantage of the non-rotating tips on the Baader BP II adjustment screws?
The primary advantage is precision. When a standard screw tip rotates against a tube, it can cause the tube to shift or twist slightly, throwing off your guide star alignment. The non-rotating design of the Baader BP II rings ensures that the only motion is linear, pressing the scope securely into place without altering its pointing direction.
What are the mounting options on the base of the Baader Guide Scope Rings BP II?
Each ring offers two primary mounting methods on its base: a central ¼" standard photo thread for easy attachment to most astronomical dovetail bars, and two 5mm diameter through-holes for a more permanent, custom-bolted connection.
Can I mount other accessories onto the Baader BP II rings themselves?
Yes. Each ring has four milled planar surfaces on its outer circumference, and each surface is equipped with a standard photo-threaded hole. This allows you to attach additional accessories like finder scopes, laser pointers, or small control units directly to the rings.
I plan to use a 6" f/4 Newtonian (approx. 150mm tube diameter) as a wide-field astrograph piggybacked on my main telescope. Are the Baader BP II rings rigid enough for this?
Absolutely. The 110-160mm range of the Baader BP II rings is perfect for a 150mm tube. Their massive 28mm width and solid aluminum construction are specifically designed to prevent flexure, making them an ideal choice for securely mounting a relatively heavy instrument like a 6" Newtonian for imaging.
How do I attach the Baader BP II Guide Scope Rings to a standard Vixen or Losmandy dovetail bar?
The easiest method is to use the central ¼" threaded hole on the bottom of each ring. You will need two ¼"-20 screws of appropriate length to thread up from the bottom of your dovetail bar into the base of the rings. This provides a secure and standard connection.
