What mounts is the Baader Dovetail Bar Z 120mm compatible with?
This dovetail bar is designed specifically for the proprietary dovetail system used by Zeiss and Astro-Physics. It will not fit the more common Vixen-style (V-style) or Losmandy-style (D-style) clamps found on most other mounts.
What is the purpose of the Dovetail Bar Z 120mm?
It serves as the interface between your telescope tube rings and your mount's saddle plate. The 120mm length is ideal for smaller instruments like guide scopes or short-tube refractors such as a TeleVue 76, providing a secure connection without excess bulk or weight.
Can I use the Dovetail Bar Z 120mm with a Celestron or Sky-Watcher mount?
No. Most Celestron and Sky-Watcher mounts use either Vixen-style or Losmandy-style saddle clamps. This bar uses the specific Zeiss/AP profile and is physically incompatible with those systems. You must use a dovetail bar that matches your mount's saddle.
How do I attach the Dovetail Bar Z to my telescope?
The bar typically features threaded or unthreaded holes along its surface. You would use the appropriate screws, passing through the holes on the bar, to bolt your telescope's tube rings directly to it.
Why choose a specific bar for Zeiss and Astro-Physics mounts?
The Zeiss and Astro-Physics mounting system is engineered for exceptional precision and rigidity. Using a dedicated, correctly-profiled dovetail bar like this one ensures a perfect, zero-flexure fit, which is critical for maintaining pointing accuracy during long-exposure astrophotography.
Is the 120mm length of the Dovetail Bar Z suitable for an 80mm refractor?
Yes, a 120mm (4.7") bar is an excellent match for a compact 80mm refractor. It provides enough length for secure tube ring spacing while remaining short and lightweight, which helps with balancing and reduces the overall moment arm on the mount.
