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Orion Optics UK Dovetail Plate Skywatcher/Vixen 355mm

Orion Optics UK Dovetail Plate Skywatcher/Vixen 355mm

by Orion Optics UK
SKU OOUK-DOVETAIL-PLATE-43MM-X-355MM
CA$165.00 - CA$165.00
CA$165.00
CA$265.00
CA$265.00 - CA$265.00
CA$265.00
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  • Length: 355mm
  • Width: 43mm
  • Compatibility: Vixen / Sky-Watcher Style Saddles
  • Provides Secure Mounting for Optical Tubes
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  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • Dovetail Plate Skywatcher/Vixen 355mm

    The Orion Optics UK Dovetail Plate provides a rigid 355mm mounting platform for securely attaching telescope optical tubes to any Vixen-style or Sky-Watcher saddle. Measuring 43mm in width, this bar conforms to the industry-standard Vixen profile, ensuring broad compatibility with a wide range of popular equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts.

    A 355mm Platform for Vixen-Style Mounts

    This 355mm dovetail bar offers a long, stable base for mounting your telescope's tube rings. The extended length is particularly useful for achieving precise balance, especially with front-heavy instruments like Schmidt-Cassegrains or rear-heavy setups with cameras and filter wheels attached. It allows you to slide the entire optical tube assembly forward or backward to perfectly align the center of gravity over the mount's axis, reducing strain on the drive motors and improving tracking accuracy.

    Engineered to the standard 43mm Vixen-style width, this plate connects your telescope to a huge ecosystem of mounts. If your mount saddle is described as "Vixen-style" or is from a brand like Sky-Watcher, Celestron (AVX, CG-5), or iOptron, this dovetail will provide a secure, no-slip connection for your observing or imaging sessions.

    Vixen vs. Losmandy: Choosing the Right Dovetail Style

    This dovetail uses the Vixen standard, which is the most common format for small to medium-sized telescopes. It's crucial to ensure your mount's saddle is compatible before purchasing.

    • Vixen-Style (This Plate): At 43mm wide, the Vixen standard is lighter and more compact. It's ideal for payloads typically under 20-25 lbs and is the default on most entry-level to mid-range mounts.
    • Losmandy D-Style (Not This Plate): The Losmandy or "D-style" plate is significantly wider (approx. 3 inches). It offers a more rigid, secure connection with a larger contact area, making it the preferred choice for heavy astrophotography rigs and large optical tubes.

    For most visual observers and imagers using telescopes up to 8" or 9.25" on a compatible mount, this 355mm Vixen-style plate provides an excellent balance of stability and compatibility.

  • How do I know if the Orion Optics UK 355mm Dovetail Plate will fit my mount?

    You need to check your mount's saddle specifications. This plate is 43mm wide and conforms to the Vixen-style standard. It is compatible with mounts from Sky-Watcher, Celestron (like the AVX), iOptron, and others that use a Vixen saddle. It will not fit in a wider Losmandy-style (or D-style) saddle without an adapter.

    Is the 355mm length of this Orion Optics UK plate suitable for balancing an 8-inch Newtonian on a Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro?

    Yes, absolutely. An 8-inch Newtonian is a perfect candidate for this plate. The 355mm length provides ample room to position the tube rings for achieving perfect balance in both axes, even after adding a heavy eyepiece, a guide scope, or an imaging camera. The Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro features a dual saddle that accepts both Vixen and Losmandy plates, so this plate is a direct fit.

    Can I use this 355mm Vixen plate to mount my Celestron 8" SCT on an AVX mount?

    Yes. The Celestron AVX mount comes standard with a Vixen-style saddle, making this 355mm plate a direct fit. The length is ideal for an 8" SCT, allowing you to easily adjust the scope's position to compensate for the weight of different diagonals, eyepieces, or imaging accessories.

    What is the main advantage of a longer dovetail plate like this 355mm one?

    A longer dovetail plate provides a greater range of adjustment for balancing your telescope. This is critical when you add or remove accessories that change the center of gravity, such as:

    • Switching from a light eyepiece to a heavy one
    • Adding or removing a guide scope
    • Attaching an astrophotography camera and filter wheel
    • Using a heavy dew shield

    The 355mm length ensures you can slide the entire optical tube to find the new balance point, which is essential for accurate tracking and preventing stress on your mount's motors.

    What is the difference between a Vixen-style dovetail like this Orion Optics UK plate and a Losmandy-style plate?

    The primary difference is size and rigidity. Vixen-style plates are 43mm wide and are the standard for lighter telescopes and mounts. Losmandy D-style plates are wider (approximately 3 inches) and provide a more robust connection for heavier, professional-level astrophotography setups. You must match the plate to your mount's saddle.

    Is this Orion Optics UK dovetail compatible with both Vixen and Sky-Watcher mounts?

    Yes. Sky-Watcher mounts use the Vixen-style dovetail standard for their saddles, so this 43mm wide plate is compatible with both Vixen-branded mounts and the vast majority of Sky-Watcher mounts.

  • Type Dovetail Plate
    Compatibility Vixen / Sky-Watcher Style Saddles
    Length 355mm
    Width 43mm

    • Dovetail Plate Skywatcher/Vixen 355mm

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  • Orion Optics UK 1-Year Warranty