What is the main advantage of the PrimaLuceLab Vixen Plate 350mm PLUS over a standard Vixen bar?
The primary advantage is its integration with the PrimaLuceLab PLUS system. Unlike a standard bar with only a few slots, the PLUS plate has a dense pattern of threaded holes. This allows you to bolt rings and accessories directly to the plate with multiple screws, creating a much more rigid, flexure-free assembly.
I have a Celestron 8" SCT and want to add a guide scope and an EAGLE computer. Is the Vixen Plate 350mm PLUS a good base?
Yes, the 350mm length is an excellent choice for an 8" SCT. You can attach the telescope to the plate using PLUS support rings. The plate's extra length and hole patterns then allow you to mount PLUS guide rings for your guide scope and attach an EAGLE computer directly to the top of the support rings, creating a compact and rigid imaging platform.
Can I use the Vixen Plate 350mm PLUS with rings from another manufacturer?
Yes. While the threaded holes are designed for the PLUS system, the plate also includes a series of central slots. These slots allow you to attach support rings or guide rings from other brands using standard screws, giving you broad compatibility with existing equipment.
Why does the Vixen Plate 350mm PLUS also fit Arca-Swiss clamps?
This dual compatibility is for astrophotographers who use a variety of equipment. You can mount your telescope on a Vixen-style astronomical mount for deep-sky imaging, then detach the entire optical tube assembly and clamp it directly onto a photographic ball head with an Arca-Swiss clamp for wide-field nightscapes or terrestrial photography without changing plates.
How do I create a side-by-side setup with the PrimaLuceLab Vixen Plate 350mm PLUS?
You can use the Vixen Plate 350mm PLUS as the base for a side-by-side system. To do this, you would attach two PrimaLuceLab PLUS dovetail clamps onto the top of this plate. This allows you to mount two separate telescopes in parallel on a single mount head.
When should I choose the Vixen Plate 350mm PLUS instead of the Losmandy version?
Choose the Vixen plate for mounts with a Vixen-style saddle, which are common on portable and medium-payload mounts. Choose the Losmandy plate if your mount has the larger, more robust Losmandy-D style saddle, typically found on higher-capacity mounts designed for heavier telescopes.
