Glossary | Telescope accessories | General | Type | Dovetail clamp
With a dovetail clamp you can attach prism rails.
Telescopes and accessories are often equipped with a prism rail - also called a dovetail bar. This rail can be attached firmly by means of a dovetail clamp to, for example, an astronomical mount.
Two standards have been established for the rails: the relatively narrow rails introduced by the Japanese manufacturer Vixen and the wider Losmandy rails. The latter are 3 inches wide and are mainly used for heavy telescopes.
Accordingly, there are dovetail clamps for Vixen or Losmandy rails. Dual dovetail clamps can accommodate both sizes.