Telescope Cradle Rings & Dovetail Plates
Cradle rings, also called tube rings, hold your telescope's optical tube securely and attach it to a dovetail plate that clamps onto your mount. They are an essential link between your telescope and mount, and a well-fitting cradle keeps the tube stable, protects its finish and makes it easy to adjust balance.
Explore Scientific cradle assemblies are made to fit specific telescopes snugly, including our 102mm, 127mm and 152mm refractors and the David Levy Comet Hunter. Many cradles allow the tube to rotate, so you can position the focuser and eyepiece at a comfortable angle or frame an astrophotography target precisely. Paired with a Vixen-style or Losmandy-style dovetail, they work with a wide range of mounts.
When choosing cradle rings, match the inner diameter to your telescope tube and check the dovetail style your mount accepts. A secure cradle reduces flexure and vibration, which is especially important for astrophotography. Upgrading to a quality cradle and dovetail can make balancing, mounting and transporting your telescope faster, safer and more convenient.
