dovetails and camera mounts

[gcraib]

I have a rough idea that a losmandy type dovetail is better than a vixen type dovetail as its sturdier and hence more secure.

But how do you know which is which and to decide to upgrade?

I think I have vixen type with my SW mak127 and EQ3-2 but only think this by reading around posts and info online.

Have also seen some accessories at FLO but no idea what you would get, presumably a losmandy will just screw on the base of the mak without have to change the mount?

A description with pictures would be awesome...

Where can you get mounting brackets for piggybacking an SLR?

In his book Steve uses manfrotto quick release head but where can you get these?

Presumably you also need tube rings for the head to go onto, not sure if these are available for my set-up?

have seen ones specifically for celestron and meade.

Quite like the diy option for piggybacking, might fall back on that one

http://www.astronomyhints.com/piggyback.html

[Cornelius Varley]

I'm not sure this is a cost effective upgrade. You will need a Losmandy/Vixen dovetail adapter http://www.modernastronomy.co.uk/accessories.html#accDovetails or http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetail-bars/adm-losmandy-to-vixen-adapter.html and a new Losmandy puck http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetail-bars/adm-vixen-to-losmandy-adapter.html . The total cost will be between £140 & £180.

[gcraib]

Ok so the losmandy type is bigger and regarded as being more sturdy?

I saw a thread somewhere that read the telescope slipped out of the mount at high elevation and nearly fell!

I don't think I'd bother upgrading current set up but with all the OTA and mount combo's out there its good to be informed.

there is also a dual saddle type http://www.firstlightoptics.com/dovetail-bars/adm-dual-saddle-upgrade-for-heq5-and-eq6-series-mounts.html

TBH I think all mounts should have this.

can anybody steer me for camera piggyback mounting on the mak127?

tube rings? plus camera head?