Skip to content
Baader Z(AP) Dovetail Bar Mark IV - 470mm fits C8/C9.25/C11
Baader Z(AP) Dovetail Bar Mark IV - 470mm fits C8/C9.25/C11

Baader Z(AP) Dovetail Bar Mark IV - 470mm fits C8/C9.25/C11

by Baader Planetarium
SKU BAA-2451102
CA$124.00 - CA$124.00
CA$124.00
CA$124.00 - CA$124.00
CA$124.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Length: 470mm
  • OTA Compatibility: Celestron C8, C9.25, C11
  • Mount Compatibility: Zeiss / Astro Physics Standard
  • Design: Tangent Dovetail Bar
  • Model: Mark IV
Backordered
Request Stock Alert
Availability Info
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in Canada on orders over $500.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Baader Z(AP) Dovetail Bar Mark IV - 470mm for C8/C9.25/C11

    The Baader Z(AP) Dovetail Bar Mark IV is a specialized 470mm mounting plate for securely attaching Celestron C8, C9.25, and C11 optical tubes to mounts using the Zeiss or Astro Physics dovetail standard. This full-length bar is designed to eliminate flexure across its entire 470mm length, providing the rigid connection required for astrophotography with these classic SCTs.

    A Specific Solution: Mounting C8, C9.25 & C11 Tubes on Zeiss/AP Mounts

    This dovetail bar is not a universal plate; it is a dedicated component for a specific task. It solves the common problem of mating Celestron's popular large SCTs—the C8, C9.25, and C11—with high-end German Equatorial Mounts from manufacturers like Zeiss and Astro Physics that do not use the more common Vixen or Losmandy style saddles. The bar provides the correct interface and a robust connection for these specific combinations.

    The 470mm Tangent Bar: A Rigid Foundation for Your SCT

    At 470mm, the bar's length provides multiple support points along the optical tube, significantly increasing stability and preventing tube flexure, which can ruin long exposures. The "Tangent" design implies a profile engineered to interface cleanly with the curved surface of an SCT, ensuring a secure fit without stressing the tube. This rigid foundation is critical for maintaining precise alignment and achieving sharp stars from edge to edge.

    Beyond Vixen & Losmandy: The Zeiss/AP Dovetail Standard

    The Zeiss/Astro Physics dovetail standard is less common than Vixen or Losmandy D-style plates but is favored in many high-precision mounts for its secure, non-marring engagement. Unlike set-screw systems that can score a dovetail, these saddles often use a full-length clamp for a more positive lock. This Baader bar allows you to leverage the stability of a premium mount without being forced to change your saddle or use potentially unstable adapters.

  • What is the main purpose of the Baader 470mm Z(AP) dovetail bar?

    The primary purpose of the Baader 470mm Z(AP) bar is to mount a Celestron C8, C9.25, or C11 optical tube assembly onto a German Equatorial Mount that uses a Zeiss or Astro Physics (AP) style dovetail saddle. It bridges the compatibility gap between these specific telescopes and high-end mounts.

    Will this Baader Z(AP) bar fit my mount with a Vixen or Losmandy saddle?

    No. This bar is specifically machined for the Zeiss/AP dovetail profile and is not compatible with the Vixen (V-style) or Losmandy (D-style) saddles that are more common on many mounts. You must have the correct corresponding saddle on your mount to use this bar.

    How does the 470mm length of this Baader bar benefit my C11 for astrophotography?

    For a large OTA like a Celestron C11, a long 470mm dovetail bar provides a much more rigid and stable connection to the mount than a shorter bar. It distributes the load over a greater length of the tube, minimizing flexure and vibration. This is critical for long-exposure astrophotography, where any mechanical instability can result in trailed or elongated stars.

    I have a Celestron C8 on an Astro Physics mount. Is this the correct bar to use?

    Yes, this Baader Z(AP) dovetail bar is designed for exactly that combination. It provides the correct dovetail profile to fit the saddle on your Astro Physics mount and is pre-drilled or configured to attach securely to a Celestron C8 optical tube.

    What does "Tangent Dovetail Bar" mean for the Baader Mark IV?

    A "Tangent" bar is typically designed so that its mounting surface matches the curvature of the telescope tube it attaches to. This allows for a flush, secure fit against the round optical tube of an SCT, providing better support and reducing the risk of pinching or damaging the tube compared to a generic flat bar.

    Why choose the Baader Z(AP) standard over a more common Losmandy D-style bar for my SCT?

    You would choose the Baader Z(AP) bar if your mount's saddle is built for the Zeiss/AP standard. While Losmandy D-style is very common, the Zeiss/AP system is used on many premium mounts and is valued for its extremely secure, often full-contact clamping mechanism that prevents slipping and marring of the dovetail bar.

  • Length 470mm
    Type Tangent Dovetail Bar
    Model Z(AP) Mark IV
    Mount Profile Zeiss / Astro Physics Standard
    OTA Compatibility Celestron C8, C9.25, C11
    Net weight (kg) 0.64
    Thread Drillings for Celestron C8, Celestron C9¼, Celestron C11
    Dual mounting No
    Screws included? Yes
    Clamping System Dovetail clamp
    Design Z (40mm) Zeiss/AstroPhysics
  • Baader Planetarium Warranty