What telescopes are the PrimaLuceLab 85mm PLUS Support Rings designed for?
These rings are designed for any optical tube with an outer diameter of approximately 85mm. This commonly includes many popular 70mm and 80mm refractor telescopes. It is always best to measure your telescope's tube diameter to ensure a proper fit.
What is the PrimaLuceLab PLUS system and how do these 85mm rings fit in?
The PLUS system is PrimaLuceLab's modular ecosystem of plates, clamps, rings, and other accessories that share a common, pre-drilled hole pattern. The 85mm PLUS Support Rings act as a foundational component, allowing you to securely bolt other PLUS accessories directly to them, creating a solid, flex-free mechanical assembly for your imaging rig.
Can I use the 85mm PLUS rings with a dovetail plate from another brand?
Yes. In addition to the threaded holes for the PLUS system, the rings feature central slots that accommodate screws for attaching third-party dovetail plates or other accessories. This ensures you can benefit from the rigidity of the PLUS rings even if you haven't fully adopted the PLUS ecosystem.
How do I attach a guide scope to my 80mm refractor using the 85mm PLUS Support Rings?
To mount a guide scope, you would first attach a PLUS dovetail plate (such as a Vixen or Losmandy style plate) to the top of the 85mm PLUS Support Rings. Then, you can attach PLUS guide rings directly to that top plate, providing a stable, adjustable platform for your guide scope.
What's the advantage of CNC-machined rings like the 85mm PLUS rings over cast rings?
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining creates parts from a solid block of aluminum with extremely high precision. This process results in rings that are stronger, more rigid, and have tighter tolerances than cast rings, which are made by pouring molten metal into a mold. For astrophotography, this superior rigidity is crucial for preventing mechanical flexure that can ruin long exposures.
I have a William Optics ZenithStar 73. What else do I need to mount it on a Celestron AVX mount using these 85mm rings?
After securing your ZenithStar 73 in the 85mm PLUS Support Rings, you will need to attach a PLUS Vixen-style dovetail plate to the bottom of the rings. The Celestron AVX mount uses a Vixen-style saddle, so this plate will allow you to securely mount the entire telescope assembly onto the mount head.