Losmandy D Series Dovetail Plate for Astro-Physics Rings

Product Overview

This is Losmandy's 14-inch D-series dovetail plate supplied with the extra hardware needed to mount Astro-Physics rings. Losmandy lists it for the 4", 5", 6" and 7" AP rings, and it will fit either the top or the bottom of them. The plate is 14 inches long and 0.7 inches thick, weighs 2.5 lb, and sits 1.00 inch from the top of the rings to the top of the dovetail bar. Four low-profile socket-cap 1/4-20 x 1" screws are included.

Who It's For

Astro-Physics rings are excellent and use their own hole spacing, which is why this plate exists: the standard DUP14 with the correct screws to bolt an AP ring set to it. Because it fits the top of the rings as well as the bottom, it can also serve as an upper rail for a guide scope or a handle, which is how many AP refractor owners set a tube up.

Key Features & Design

• Listed for Astro-Physics 4", 5", 6" and 7" rings.
• Fits the top or the bottom of the rings.
• 14 inches long, 0.7 inches thick, at 2.5 lb.
• 1.00 inch from the top of the rings to the top of the dovetail bar.
• Four low-profile socket-cap 1/4-20 x 1" screws included.
• Based on the DUP dovetail plate, so it carries the universal hole patterns as well.

Recommended Uses

Mounting an Astro-Physics refractor in its own rings onto a Losmandy saddle. Fitting an upper rail above AP rings for a guide scope or carry handle. Replacing an AP-specific plate with one that also carries the universal DUP hole patterns for future use with other rings.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Rings: Astro-Physics 4", 5", 6" and 7" ring sets, top or bottom.
• Saddles: any Losmandy D-series saddle — the G-11 saddle, the GM8 saddle plate, and the twin saddles on the AZ8.
• Other rings: the plate is a DUP at heart, so the standard 14", 19" and 24" hole separations apply too.
• Guide scope: the DVR108 rings clamp to a dovetail, so an upper AP rail becomes a guide scope mount.
• Front counterbalance: the 2" and 5" counterbalance systems bolt to the plate.

Good to Know Before You Order

• It is the AP hardware that makes this plate different, not the bar. If you do not have Astro-Physics rings, the standard DUP14 is the same plate for less.
• Ring compatibility is stated for the 4", 5", 6" and 7" sets. If yours is a different AP ring size or vintage, send us the model and we will confirm before you order.
• Four screws are supplied, which covers one ring set. A top-and-bottom installation needs two plates and two sets of screws.
• Specifications are Losmandy's published figures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to set up?

No. The four supplied screws bolt the rings to the plate, and the plate clamps into the saddle.

What makes it different from a DUP14?

The additional Astro-Physics mounting hardware — four low-profile socket-cap 1/4-20 x 1" screws — and Losmandy listing it as fitting the AP 4" to 7" rings.

Can I put it on top of the rings?

Yes. Losmandy lists it as fitting either the top or the bottom, which makes an upper rail possible.

Does it fit non-AP rings?

The plate carries the standard DUP hole separations as well, so in practice yes — tell us your rings and we will check.

Do I need two for a top and bottom rail?

Yes — one plate per rail, each with its own screws.

Bottom Line

In short: the 14-inch Losmandy D-series plate with the Astro-Physics ring hardware — 0.7" thick, 2.5 lb, four 1/4-20 socket-cap screws included, fitting the top or bottom of AP 4" to 7" rings.