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Celestron Universal Mounting Plate - CG-5

Celestron Universal Mounting Plate - CG-5

by Celestron
SKU CEL-94213
CA$79.00 - CA$79.00
CA$79.00
CA$79.00 - CA$79.00
CA$79.00
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  • Adapts accessories to Celestron CG-5 and Advanced VX mounts
  • Accepts standard telescope mounting rings
  • Provides a platform for cameras and spotting scopes
  • Pre-drilled for 1/4”-20, 5/16”-18, and 3/8”-16 hardware
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • Celestron Universal Mounting Plate - CG-5

    The Celestron Universal Mounting Plate for CG-5 and Advanced VX mounts allows you to attach a wide range of accessories using its multiple pre-drilled holes for 1/4”-20, 5/16”-18, and 3/8”-16 hardware. This basic but essential plate serves as the critical interface between your optical tube assembly or camera and the mount's saddle, creating a stable, secure connection for imaging or visual observation.

    The CG-5 Standard: Connecting Gear with 1/4"-20 Hardware

    This plate is built to the CG-5 dovetail bar specification, ensuring a perfect fit with Celestron's popular Advanced Series CG-5 and Advanced VX equatorial mounts. It acts as a universal adapter, transforming the mount's saddle into a versatile platform ready to accept a variety of instruments. By using this single plate, you can standardize how you attach different setups, from a primary telescope in rings to a secondary piggybacked camera system.

    Drilled for 1/4"-20, 5/16"-18, and 3/8"-16 Hardware

    The plate's utility comes from its array of pre-drilled and threaded holes, which accommodate the most common imperial hardware sizes used in astronomy. The 1/4"-20 threads are the standard for most DSLR cameras and small spotting scopes, allowing for direct attachment without rings. The larger 5/16”-18 and 3/8”-16 holes provide robust connection points for heavier-duty telescope mounting rings, ensuring your primary optics are held rigidly without flexure.

    • 1/4”-20 Holes: The universal standard for photographic tripods, allowing you to mount a DSLR or spotting scope directly to your equatorial mount for tracked imaging.
    • Larger Thread Options: Accommodates the larger bolts often used by heavy-duty mounting rings for larger optical tubes.
    • Fixed Position Trade-off: As a plate with pre-drilled holes rather than slots, it provides a very rigid connection. However, you must ensure your mounting rings have a hole spacing that matches one of the patterns on the plate.

  • What mounts is the Celestron CG-5 Universal Mounting Plate compatible with?

    This plate is designed specifically for mounts that use the Vixen-style (V-Block) saddle plate, most notably the Celestron Advanced CG-5 and Advanced VX series mounts. It will also fit other brands of mounts that use this common dovetail standard.

    Can I attach my DSLR camera directly to this CG-5 plate?

    Yes. The plate includes standard 1/4"-20 threaded holes, which is the same thread size found on the bottom of virtually all DSLR and mirrorless cameras. You can bolt your camera directly to the plate for wide-field astrophotography with camera lenses.

    What kind of mounting rings can I use with this plate?

    You can use any brand of telescope mounting rings that attach via 1/4"-20, 5/16"-18, or 3/8"-16 bolts. The key is to ensure the spacing between the holes on your rings matches one of the available patterns on the mounting plate.

    Does the Celestron CG-5 plate come with mounting screws?

    No, mounting hardware is not included. You will need to provide the appropriate bolts to connect your specific telescope rings or camera to the plate. The hardware required is determined by your accessories, not the plate itself.

    How do I attach this plate to my telescope tube to mount it on my Advanced VX mount?

    This plate does not attach directly to a bare telescope tube. You must first have a set of mounting rings that are correctly sized for your telescope's outer diameter. You then bolt the mounting rings to this plate, and finally, you slide the plate into the saddle of your Advanced VX mount and tighten the saddle knobs.

    Can I use this plate to piggyback a guide scope on top of my 8" SCT?

    Yes, this is a common application. If your 8" SCT is mounted to your mount with its own Vixen-style dovetail bar, you can attach this second plate to the top of the SCT (using a top rail or radius blocks). This provides a flat, secure platform to mount your guide scope rings and guide scope.

  • Celestron 2-Year Warranty