Telescope Dovetail Saddle Clamp Tripod Adapter Mount for Vixen Plates

In this review the Telescope Dovetail Saddle Clamp is evaluated for amateur and semipro astronomers who need a reliable, dropin mounting solution for Vixenstyle dovetail plates. The bottom line: it delivers sturdy, precise positioning with a large torque knob and useful reference scale that make mounting and micro adjustments straightforward, so observers who swap optical tube assemblies often will appreciate its combination of build quality and practical features.

Key Features

• Vixenstyle compatibility: Accepts standard Vixenstyle dovetail plates so users can fit most OTAs without modification.
• Dropin mounting: The saddle supports tilt and lower dropin loading, making installation quick and reducing alignment fuss in the field.
• Large torque knob: A longstem, extra large knob gives secure clamping and finer control when locking the dovetail in place.
• M6 and M8 countersunk bores: Multiple countersunk bores are provided for secure attachment to equatorial heads and OTAs, including 1/4" screw compatibility in M6 holes.
• Center threaded hole: The central 3/8" threaded hole with a 1/4" adapter lets you mount rapidly to tripods or brackets with common screw sizes.
• Reference scale: A 1mm increment reference scale on both sides helps with repeatable positioning and balance adjustments.

Who It's For

The saddle is best for backyard astronomers and astrophotographers who use Vixenstyle dovetail plates and need a sturdy, repeatable mount point for OTAs on equatorial heads or tripods. Its dropin loading and clear reference marks make it a practical choice for users who swap instruments regularly or need quick setup at the eyepiece.

Those with proprietary dovetail systems or mounts that require integrated quickrelease clamps should look elsewhere, since this product is tailored specifically to Vixenstyle plates and to users who can use separate adapters or screws to interface with their head or tripod.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid build quality and functionality reported by customers for secure holding during observation.
• Easy adjustment thanks to the smooth, extra large torque knob and long stem for better leverage.
• Versatile mounting options with multiple M6 and M8 countersunk bores and a central 3/8" hole with adapter.
• Reference scale aids repeatable positioning and balancing when swapping OTAs.

Cons

• Designed specifically for Vixenstyle plates, so it is not a universal dovetail clamp for every proprietary system.
• No integrated quickrelease lever, which some users prefer for ultrafast swaps.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The dovetail saddle clamp is a practical, wellmade adapter for anyone using Vixenstyle plates who values secure clamping and repeatable setup. It offers useful mounting flexibility with multiple countersunk bores and a center threaded hole, and the large knob plus reference scale deliver easier adjustments. For most backyard observers and entry to intermediate astrophotographers this is a good value accessory that improves daytoday usability of an equatorial head.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this accept non Vixen dovetail plates?
It is designed for Vixenstyle dovetails; nonVixen proprietary plates may not fit securely without an adapter.

Can I mount it directly to a tripod?
Yes, the center 3/8" threaded hole with included 1/4" adapter allows attachment to tripods or brackets using common screw sizes.

Do the M6 holes accept 1/4" screws?
Yes, the M6 countersunk bores also accept 1/4" screws for additional mounting options.