Farpoint Dovetail Weight System 1

Balance your imaging rig right on the dovetail bar — quick-release saddle included.

Product Overview

The Farpoint Dovetail Weight System 1 is a quick-release counterweight that mounts directly to any D-size (Losmandy-style) dovetail bar. When a camera, autoguider, or rear-mounted accessory throws your setup out of balance, clamp the weight system onto the bar, slide it to the balance point, and lock it down — your mount tracks smoothly and your gear stays safe. It mounts on the same FDA quick-release saddle used across the Farpoint dovetail accessory family, so the whole assembly goes on and comes off the bar in seconds, tool-free. The system includes one 3 lb counterweight, the FDA saddle, and a 3.5″ mounting screw, and is machined in the USA.

Who Is This Product Best For?

Ideal for astrophotographers and visual observers who need to correct lighter balance offsets caused by a single camera, finder, or rear accessory on a D-size (Losmandy) dovetail rig. A great starting point for intermediate imagers who want quick, repeatable balancing without overloading the mount's main counterweight shaft.

Why Choose This Product?

• Tool-free quick release: The FDA saddle clamps and repositions anywhere along the bar in seconds.
• Balance at the source: Add ballast exactly where the offset is, instead of stacking weight on the mount's shaft.
• Expandable: Stack extra 3 lb counterweights as your payload grows.
• Built to last: Machined in the USA with a black powder coat or bright zinc finish.

Recommended Uses

• Balancing a single camera, autoguider, or rear-mounted accessory.
• Correcting front-to-back imbalance on imaging and visual rigs.
• Quick, repeatable rebalancing when swapping gear in the field.

Compatibility and Accessory Notes

• Fits D-size (Losmandy-style) dovetail bars only — does not fit narrower V-size (Vixen) bars.
• Mounts via the included FDA quick-release saddle and 3.5″ screw.
• Expandable with the Farpoint Extra 3 Pound Counterweight.

Important Limitations

• Dovetail plate not included — clamps onto a D-size plate you already own.
• D-size only — not compatible with V-size (Vixen) bars.
• Finish (black powder coat or bright zinc) varies by production run and is cosmetic only.

Frequently Asked Questions

System 1 or System 2 — which do I need?
System 1 includes one 3 lb weight; System 2 includes two (6 lb total). For a single camera or light accessory, start with System 1 — you can add extra 3 lb weights later.

How does it attach to my dovetail bar?
It mounts on the Farpoint FDA quick-release saddle, which clamps to any D-size (Losmandy-style) dovetail bar — tool-free and repositionable anywhere along the bar. It does not fit V-size (Vixen) bars.

Is the dovetail plate included?
No. The system includes the weight, saddle, and mounting screw, and clamps onto a D-size plate you already have.

Our Recommendation

At Ontario Telescope and Accessories, we recommend the Dovetail Weight System 1 for imagers and observers correcting lighter, single-accessory balance offsets on a D-size rig. If you run a full imaging train with a filter wheel and larger camera, step up to System 2 for 6 lb of ballast — otherwise, System 1 is the smart, expandable starting point.