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PrimaLuceLab Vixen Plate 240mm PLUS

PrimaLuceLab Vixen Plate 240mm PLUS

by PrimaLuceLab
SKU PLL-PLLVIX240P
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
CA$83.00 - CA$83.00
CA$83.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 240mm Vixen-style Dovetail Plate
  • Compatible with Arca-Swiss style clamps
  • CNC Machined from a solid block of aluminum
  • Part of the PrimaLuceLab PLUS modular system
  • Multiple threaded holes and slots for secure connections
1 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in Canada on orders over $500.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Warranty

  • PrimaLuceLab Vixen Plate 240mm PLUS

    The PrimaLuceLab Vixen Plate 240mm PLUS offers a rigid 240mm mounting platform for telescopes and cameras, engineered for maximum stability and compatibility. This 240mm plate connects securely to both Vixen-style saddles and Arca-Swiss photographic heads, serving as a foundational component in the modular PLUS ecosystem.

    Dual Vixen and Arca-Swiss Mounting in a 240mm Plate

    This 240mm plate is precisely machined to fit directly into any mount equipped with a Vixen-style clamp. Uniquely, its profile is also compatible with Arca-Swiss clamps, allowing you to mount your telescope or camera assembly onto a standard photographic ball head or fluid head for grab-and-go observation or wide-field imaging.

    CNC-Machined Aluminum for a Flex-Free Platform

    Every PLUS plate is CNC machined from a single block of aluminum, ensuring a level of structural integrity that cast or folded metal parts cannot match. After machining, the plate is sandblasted for a smooth finish and hard-anodized to protect against scratches and corrosion. This process results in a lightweight yet incredibly stiff mounting plate that eliminates mechanical flexure, even when supporting heavier optical tubes.

    A Central Component of the PLUS Ecosystem

    The Vixen Plate 240mm is more than just a dovetail; it's a core element of the Prima Luce Universal System (PLUS). The pattern of threaded holes and slots allows for direct, secure attachment of other PLUS components like tube rings, guide rings, and EAGLE computers using multiple screws for a connection that will not twist or slip.

    • Primary Mounting: Attach it below your telescope's tube rings to connect to your mount.
    • Upper Rigidity Brace: Install it above your tube rings to create a rigid spine along your optical tube, providing a solid platform for guide scopes or other accessories.
    • Side-by-Side System: Combine two PLUS dovetail clamps with this 240mm plate to create a custom side-by-side system for mounting two instruments in parallel.

    Vixen 240mm vs. Losmandy 240mm: Choosing the Right Standard

    PrimaLuceLab offers both Vixen and Losmandy style plates at the 240mm length, each for a specific class of mount. The Vixen standard is ideal for lighter, more portable setups and is compatible with a vast range of equatorial and alt-azimuth mounts.

    The Losmandy plate, with its wider and more substantial profile, is the correct choice for heavier telescopes and mounts designed for larger payloads, such as a Sky-Watcher AZ-EQ6 or EQ8. While the Vixen 240mm plate is sufficient for many refractors and smaller reflectors, the Losmandy version provides the extra stability required for larger instruments.

  • What is the main purpose of the PrimaLuceLab Vixen Plate 240mm PLUS?

    The primary purpose of the Vixen Plate 240mm PLUS is to securely attach a telescope or camera to a mount with either a Vixen-style saddle or a photographic Arca-Swiss clamp. It also serves as a modular building block within the PrimaLuceLab PLUS system for creating more complex imaging rigs.

    Can I use the Vixen Plate 240mm PLUS with non-PrimaLuceLab rings?

    Yes. While the plate is designed for a perfect fit with PLUS system rings, it includes a series of central slots. These slots allow you to attach tube rings or other accessories from different manufacturers using standard screws, offering broad compatibility.

    How does the Vixen Plate 240mm PLUS increase the rigidity of my telescope setup?

    The plate increases rigidity in two ways. First, being CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum, it is inherently resistant to flexing under load. Second, when used as an upper brace mounted on top of your tube rings, it creates a rigid "spine" along the optical tube, significantly reducing flexure across the entire assembly, which is critical for autoguiding and long-exposure imaging.

    When should I choose the Vixen 240mm plate over the Losmandy 240mm plate?

    Choose the Vixen 240mm plate for smaller to medium-sized telescopes on mounts that use the Vixen standard, which is common for most entry-level to intermediate mounts. You should choose the Losmandy 240mm plate if you have a heavier telescope or a high-capacity mount (like a Sky-Watcher EQ8) that uses the larger, more stable Losmandy D-style saddle.

    Can I attach this 240mm plate directly to my DSLR or mirrorless camera?

    Yes. You can attach a camera to the plate using a standard 1/4"-20 screw in one of the central slots. This allows you to mount your camera and lens directly onto an astronomical mount with a Vixen saddle or a heavy-duty photo head with an Arca-Swiss clamp for tracked astrophotography.

    What does "PLUS System" mean for the Vixen Plate 240mm?

    The "PLUS System" is PrimaLuceLab's modular ecosystem of rings, plates, and clamps that share a standardized hole-spacing pattern. This means you can connect the Vixen Plate 240mm directly to other PLUS components with multiple screws, creating rigid, flex-free assemblies without the risk of components twisting or slipping, which often happens with single-screw connections.

  • PrimaLuceLab 1-Year Warranty