Flat and Ribbed Plates

These plates provide the most solid connection of your telescope to your mount. We recommend them for the most critical applications and larger telescopes. The ribbed mounting plates are thicker, yet much of the material is removed to provide strength without excess weight. Use these plates for the largest instruments.

Dovetail Plates and Sliding Bars
Dovetail plates add a new level of convenience and ease of use to our mounts and tube assemblies. These are a few of the handy applications:

• Aid in re-balancing your scope after switching from featherweight orthoscopics to hefty 2 lb. eyepieces, binocular viewer or camera back
• Quickly interchanging scopes when used as a mounting plate
• Quickly interchanging accessories when used as an accessory plate

Although listed separately, the dovetail plates and sliding bars are used together (the exception is the 7" or 10" sliding bars when used as a stationary mounting plate). The narrow sliding bar moves within the channel of the dovetail plate until the desired position is achieved. Tightening the knobs of the dovetail plate secures the sliding bar.

The dovetail plates have a built-in safety feature to help prevent the sliding bar from slipping completely through the dovetail plate if the knobs are accidentally loosened. With our unique slot design, it is very easy to tilt the sliding bars into place, then lock down the knobs. This is much easier than trying to insert them into the slots from the end of the plate (very awkward when a scope is attached). Some of the dovetail plates can also be attached to the top of the rings to be used as an accessory plate.

Most of the sliding bars have multiple holes to allow a variety of items to be attached.

Mounting plates ordered from Astro-Physics come with screw packets to attach them to our mounts. For a listing of the required fasteners for a given application, please follow this link to our Fastener Chart PDF.

If you use the innermost holes, you have the option of using the 15" Dovetail Plate (DOVE15) as an accessory plate on top of your Astro-Physics mounting rings. Rings from Parallax Instruments can also be drilled with the Astro-Physics hole pattern.

Please Note: While the 18" Flat Mounting Plate will fit on the Mach1GTO without a problem, you should carefully consider whether the mount is being overloaded. If your instrument is so big that it requires the FP1800, it is probably too big for the Mach1GTO.

• 400 or 600E German equatorial mounts (all models) - attaches directly.
• Mach1GTO or 900 mount (all models) - Use part # Q4047 to attach this plate.
• All Takahashi mounts with the 2-hole mounting pattern (EM-10, EM-200, Teegul, etc)
  - use the Q4044 adapter plate.
• GiroDX mount - use the Q4044 adapter plate.
• Super Polaris - see DOVESP.

Accessory plate - Attach to the top of our Astro-Physics mounting rings (tube diameters 5"-8") or rings from Parallax Instruments that have the Astro-Physics hole pattern (you can request it). For the 105 f6 Traveler, use the Traveler Dovetail Accessory Plate. Note, you must also use a sliding bar on the bottom of the rings with the same distance (6.3" from center to center), i.e. the SB0800, SB1000 or a Vixen Super Polaris mount.

Please note that your telescope rings must be tapped with two 10-32 holes spaced 3" apart to accommodate this plate as an accessory plate. Some of our earliest rings were produced before we included this set of holes in our standard hole patter. To confirm that your rings are appropriately tapped, please refer to our Astro-Physics Mounting Ring Hole Pattern document.

Note also that this saddle plate will not accept Vixen style plates (sliding bars) like the Losmandy V-series. This newer Vixen specification is slightly wider than our long established Astro-Physics 8" specification and has a much less angled bevel to the dovetail. A Vixen style plate (sliding bar) will not fit into this dovetail saddle.

The DOVESP is the same as the DOVE08 plate above with the addition of two adapter blocks, which allow it to be used on the Vixen Super Polaris Mounts (cannot be used with versions that already have a dovetail plate). Use with the 5.5" Sliding Bar (no longer available), 7" Sliding Bar(SB0800) or 10" Sliding Bar(SB1000).

Please note that this saddle plate will not accept Vixen style plates (sliding bars) like the Losmandy V-series. This newer Vixen specification is slightly wider than our long established Astro-Physics 8" specification and has a much less angled bevel to the dovetail. A Vixen style plate (sliding bar) will not fit into this dovetail saddle.

Please note that the Traveler mounting rings must be 6.3" apart (center to center) to accommodate this plate. Be aware that some of our earliest Traveler rings were not tapped on the top side. Please confirm that your rings are appropriately tapped before ordering.

If your scope is mounted in any of the following configurations, the correct spacing will be achieved: any mount with an 8" Dovetail Plate (DOVE08), Vixen DX mount, Celestron (Vixen) Super Polaris or Great Polaris mounts, TeleVue Gibraltar mount with our 7" Sliding Bar (SB0800) as a mounting plate, very heavy-duty camera tripod with 7" Sliding Bar (SB0800) as a mounting plate. To see photos of the Traveler Accessory Plate with a wide variety of accessories, go to our Traveler photo page.

Note also that this accessory plate will not accept Vixen style plates (sliding bars) like the Losmandy V-series. This newer Vixen specification is slightly wider than our long established Astro-Physics 8" specification and has a much less angled bevel to the dovetail. A Vixen style plate (sliding bar) will not fit into this dovetail accessory saddle.

• Piggyback Camera Bracket (PGBCBR)
• Quick Release Finder Bracket for 8x50 finder (S850QRM)
• TeleVue Starbeam or Qwik-Point Finder with our part #A3251-B. (also #A3251-A)
• 60x700mm guidescope with 3.4" guidescope rings (previous product no longer available)

Use with 8" Dovetail Plate (DOVE08), 8" Dovetail Plate for Super Polaris (DOVESP) and Traveler Dovetail Accessory Plate (ACPLTR).

Use as a mounting plate or spacer bar

Attach to the rings of the Traveler, 90mm f5 Stowaway or 92mm f7 Stowaway. The bar functions as stationary mounting plate for either a heavy-duty camera tripod or TeleVue Gibraltar mount by using the predrilled holes.Refer to the Mounting 92mm f5 or f7 to the Gibraltar mount with a 7" Sliding bar instruction sheet. The bar does not "slide" when used in this manner. It can also be used as a spacer to lift the Traveler or Stowaway high enough off the Losmandy LMDUP plate so that the focuser knobs clear the LMDUP (Losmandy Universal Plate). Please refer to Using your Traveler or Stowaway with 13.5" Losmandy Universal Plate to see how this is accomplished.

Please note that this sliding bar can NOT be used with Vixen style saddle plates. The base of this sliding bar is narrower than the receiving channel on the Vixen style mounting system, and the Astro-Physics sliding bar has a more aggressively angled bevel for a secure grip.

It also provides the extra length needed to push the Traveler forward to counterbalance accessories when doing eyepiece projection.

Please note that this sliding bar can NOT be used with Vixen style saddle plates. The base of this sliding bar is narrower than the receiving channel on the Vixen style mounting system, and the Astro-Physics sliding bar has a more aggressively angled bevel for a secure grip.

Mounting plate

• 400, 600E, 900,1200 or Mach1GTO German equatorial mounts (all models).
• All Takahashi mounts with the 2-hole mounting pattern (EM-10, Teegul, etc) - use the Q4044 adapter plate.
• GiroDX mount - use the Q4044 adapter plate.

Accessory plate - Attach to the top of our Astro-Physics mounting rings (diameters 5"-8") or rings from Parallax Instruments that have the Astro-Physics hole patterns (you can request it). Note, you must also use a mounting plate on the bottom of the rings with the same distance, i.e. the DOVE15, FP1500, 1200RP15, 900RP, FP1800 (only if you use the innermost hole spacing) or the cradle plate of the Astro-Physics 800 mount (prior model).

Please note that your telescope rings must be tapped with two 10-32 holes spaced 3" apart to accommodate this plate as an accessory plate. Some of our earliest rings were produced before we included this set of holes in our standard hole patter. To confirm that your rings are appropriately tapped, please refer to our Astro-Physics Mounting Ring Hole Pattern document.

Note also that this plate will not accept Vixen style plates (sliding bars) like the Losmandy V-series. This newer Vixen specification is slightly narrower than our long established Astro-Physics 15 " specification and has a much less angled bevel to the dovetail. This dovetail saddle will not adequately clamp onto the smaller Vixen style plate (sliding bar).

Attach to the bottom of mounting rings or cradle - 130 StarFire EDT, 155 f7 StarFire EDFS or any rings or cradle with a flat mounting surface and 1/4-20 holes.

Attach to tube assembly - ARO Maksutovs and other similar instruments.

• 4.4" Guidescope Rings (GR4400) for use with your own guidescope.
• Piggyback Camera Bracket (PGBCNB)
• Quick Release Bracket for 8x50 finder (S850QRM)
• TeleVue Starbeam with our part #A3251-B (also #A3251-A)
• TeleVue Quik-Point Finder with our part #A3251-B (also #A3251-A)
• 60x700mm Guidescope with 3.4" Guidescope Rings (no longer available)

Please note that this sliding bar can NOT be used with Vixen style saddle plates. The base of this sliding bar is wider than the receiving channel on the Vixen style mounting system, and it will not fit into most Vixen style saddles. In addition, the Astro-Physics sliding bar has a more aggressively angled bevel for a secure grip.

Since the 8" Dovetail Plate (DOVE08) is so short, an adapter is required to raise it up above the top of the 900 or Mach1GTO declination axis so that the knobs clear.

Please Note: This adapter attaches to the Mach1GTO with four 1/4-20x1" Flat Head Socket Cap Screws. DOVE08's purchased before Nov. 1 2006 did not include these screws in their fastener packets. If you will be using a DOVE08 purchased before Nov. 1, 2006 with this adapter and a Mach1GTO, you will need to order the four 1/4-20x1 Flat Head Socket Cap Screws separately. If ordering the Q4047 along with a new DOVE08 after Nov. 1, 2006, you will have all the required fasteners. If needed, the screws may be requested at checkout under "Comments / Special Instructions."

This plate is made by Astro-Physics and can be used with a variety of mounts. If you already own the 13.5" male Losmandy D series plates, this is the dovetail for you. The knob assembly features a brass pin with a tapered end to hold your sliding bar firmly without marring the aluminum. The DOVELM2 is 8.5" long and weighs 2.3 lbs.

A center hole on the knob side allows you to move one of the knobs to accomodate the short (7") Losmandy Universal plates. The short Losmandy plates should only be used with one of the knobs moved to the center position. Otherwise, the knobs of the DOVELM2 are spaced too far apart to grip the short plate properly. Make sure that you orient the DOVELM2 so that one of the knobs is always at the objective end of the plate. Otherwise, you will not be able to utilize the safety screw on the bottom of the male dovetail. Using the middle hole with the 7" plate gives over three inches of travel for balancing.

Warning: Older dovetail mounting plates offered by Celestron may also work with the DOVELM2. However, dovetail plates offered by Celestron in 2004 (and perhaps earlier) are made to a different spec. These newer plates do not fit properly into the DOVELM2 and will slip. We encourage everyone using a plate manufactured by Celestron to test that plate in the DOVELM2 without the telescope first to be sure that it can be locked down securely.

• 400, 600E, 900,1200 or Mach1GTO German equatorial mounts (all models).
• All Takahashi mounts with the 2-hole mounting pattern (EM-10, EM-200, Teegul, etc) - use the Q4044 adapter plate.
• GiroDX mount - use the Q4044 adapter plate.

This dovetail plate cannot be used as an accessory plate. However if you use Astro-Physics rings or rings from Parallax Instrument (with the Astro-Physics hole pattern), you can attach the same Losmandy D series dovetail to the top of the rings to use as an accessory plate.

If you are using the 17.25" or longer Losmandy D series dovetails with our 900 or Mach1GTO mounts, we recommend the DOVELM16S or DOVELM162. The DOVELM16 was designed to use the longer plates on the 1200 mount.

This 12" Sliding Bar was designed with short instruments in mind. The middle portion of the plate is raised 0.5" above the front and back sections. As a result, the plate is long enough for optimal movement without causing interference with the dewcap or focuser.

Weight: 1.9 lbs. (.86 kg). The plate is ribbed on the opposite side to reduce weight.
Includes screw packet for various configurations.

For a detailed instruction sheet, click this link. (PDF file)

• 130mm f6.3 StarFire “Gran Turismo”, 105mm Traveler, 130mm f6 StarFire (original version) - attach directly to Astro-Physics rings. With the Traveler, a spacer bar is preferred to allow more finger room on the focuser, but is not required.
• 130mm f8 or f8.3 StarFires, 140mm f7 StarFire, and 155mmf7 StarFire or similar instruments – use with Losmandy blocks (LMAPBLOCKS) in the outer hole positions. This will space the rings approximately 10" apart. The LMAPBLOCKS rest completely on the sliding bar and do not extend off the side.
• Instruments that have ¼-20 center holes in the mounting rings.
• 90mm f5 Stowaway must be mounted by using the 5.5” sliding bar (SB0550) as a spacer to allow additional clearance for the dewcap.
• Attach your TeleVue or Takahashi clamshells to our 7” (SB0800) or 10" (SB1000) sliding bars , which have the correct hole pattern for the clamshells and are used as spacers to raise the scope up a little higher.

• Losmandy Dovetail Plate Adapter (LMDA). This will allow you to attach the following items: Piggyback Camera Bracket (PGBCBR) , Quick Release Finder Bracket for 8x50 finder (S850QRM), TeleVue Starbeam (STARFMD) or Qwik-Point Finder (QWIKMD), 60x700mm guidescope with 3.4" guidescope rings (previous product no longer available) and various other accessories.
• Other adapters with a female D-style series dovetail channel.

• For 17.25" or longer Losmandy D series plates - allows 4.75" of travel.
• For 13.5" Losmandy D series plates - allows 1.5" travel with both clamps fully engaged. Since the 13.5" male plate is considerably shorter than the 16" female dovetail plate, you should also consider other potential interference issues with your telescope.

As with all of our female dovetail plates, it is very easy to attach the mating male dovetail plate. Simply tilt your Losmandy plate, with the scope attached, into position. Then, tighten the knobs. There is no need to struggle as you try to insert the Losmandy plate (with your heavy telescope attached) into the end of the dovetail, as with some dovetail plate designs.

Please note that this plate cannot be used with the 900 or Mach1GTO series mounts due to knob clearance issues in some positions. The DOVELM16S, however, is perfectly suited for larger instruments on either the 900 or Mach1GTO.

Although the 400 series mounts have a matching hole pattern, we do not recommend using this large plate with such a light mounting. Likewise,starting in 2007, we no longer provide the smaller hole pattern for the 600E series of mounts. To use Losmandy D series plates with either of these smaller mounts, we recommend the 8.5" DOVELM2.

Warning: Older dovetail mounting plates offered by Celestron may also work with the DOVELM16. However, dovetail plates offered by Celestron in 2004 (and perhaps earlier) are made to a different spec. These newer plates do not fit properly into the DOVELM16 and will slip. We encourage everyone using a plate manufactured by Celestron to test that plate in the DOVELM16 without the telescope first to be sure that it can be locked down securely.

If you are using a Celestron C14, you may wish to consider our newest mounting plate, the DOVELM162. This plate will ultimately replace the DOVELM16 and the DOVELM16S. The DOVELM16 is available while quantities last.

These male dovetail plates are used in conjunction with our DOVELM2, DOVELM16 and DOVELM16S described above (also the previous model DOVELM). The Losmandy D Series Plate attaches directly to your telescope or your telescope mounting rings and fits into the saddle as shown at right. The most common sizes are listed below. If you have other requirements, please call.

Please refer to the following instruction sheets:

Losmandy Dovetail Plate - attaching the plate to your rings - PDF document
Using Your Traveler or Stowaway with 13.5" Losmandy Universal Plate - PDF document

The plates are produced by Hollywood General Machining (makers of Losmandy products), and may have some minor cosmetic flaws, for which we cannot be held responsible.

All required fasteners are included.

• LMDAP4/5 13.5" plate with adapters for Astro-Physics rings, can also be used as an accessory plate on top of the rings, weighs 2.0 lbs.

LMDAP4/5

$100.00

in stock

• LMDAP6/7 17.25" plate with adapters for Astro-Physics rings, can also be used as an accessory plate on top of the rings, weighs 2.5 lbs.

LMDAP6/7

$100.00

in stock

• LMDC8 13.5" plate for Celestron 8"SCT, weighs 2.0 lbs.

LMDC8

$100.00

in stock

• LMDC925 19" plate for Celestron 9.25"SCT, weighs 3.5 lbs.

LMDC925

$150.00

Call

• LMDC11 17.25" plate for Celestron 11" SCT, weighs 2.0 lbs.

LMDC11

$100.00

in stock

• LMDC14 23.75" plate for Celestron 14" SCT, weighs 3.75 lbs.

LMDC14

$150.00

Call

• LMDM8 13.5" plate for Meade 8" SCT, weighs 2.0 lbs.

LMDM8

$100.00

in stock

• LMDM10 17.25" plate for Meade 10" SCT, weighs 2.5 lbs.

LMDM10

$100.00

in stock

• LMDM12 19" plate for Meade 12" SCT, weighs 3.5 lbs.

LMDM12

$165.00

in stock

• LMDUP 13.5" Universal plate for the Traveler; Stowaway, TeleVue, Takahashi, Vixen and Meade Refractors; Parks and Questar scopes, weighs 2.0 lbs. (For rings or clamshells using M-8 fasteners, you must substitute 5/16"-18 fasteners of the appropriate length to use this plate.)

LMDUP

$85.00

in stock

• LMD1725 17.25" plate without adapter blocks for Astro-Physics 10" f14.6 Maksutov-Cassegrain or other large instrument with rings having a 3.5" hole spacing.

LMD1725

$65.00

in stock

• LMD135 13.5" plate without adapter blocks for rings with 3.5" hole spacing.

LMD135

$65.00

in stock

• LMAPBLOCKS Losmandy Blocks, used to attach our Mounting Rings (3.2" spacing or center hole) to Losmandy D Series dovetail plates with 3.5" spacing.

LMAPBLOCKS

$65.00

in stock

• LMDSBS Side by Side Plate, allows you to mount two telescopes (or telescope and a guidescope) side by side. You also need two of the D series plates above. Keep in mind that this plate weighs 7.1 lbs. and each of the other plates adds a few more pounds. When you are calculating the amount of weight you are putting on the mount, you need to add the plates, rings, telescopes and other accessories. Also consider that when you are mounting scopes side by side, the weight of at least one of the instruments is displaced from the center of the mount, which makes the effective load heavier still (try holding a bag of groceries away from your body and you get the idea)

LMDSBS

$253.00

Call

• LMDMM Losmandy D Series male to male dovetail plate - 13.5" length, 0.75" thick.

LMDMM

$85.00

Call

• LMDA Losmandy D Series Dovetail Plate Adapter : This single-clamp, female adapter is used when you mount one of the above male D series plates on top of your scope as an accessory plate. Use one for a finder or a 35mm camera (attach our piggyback camera bracket for even more versatility!). Use two (one for ech mounting ring) for piggybacking a guidescope or second smaller scope.

LMDA

$45.00

in stock