Will the Farpoint Dovetail Accessory Adapter fit my dovetail bar?

The FDA clamps to D-size (Losmandy-style) dovetail bars. It does not fit the narrower V-size (Vixen-style) bars. D is the wider of the two standards; the FarpointAstro telescope dovetail guide shows how to tell them apart.

What can I mount on the Farpoint Dovetail Accessory Adapter?

Farpoint's L-handle, D-handle, and ball head camera adapter all bolt straight onto the FDA. You can also attach your own hardware; the published product drawing shows the plate dimensions and mounting pattern for custom accessories.

Do I need tools to install or remove the FDA?

No. The quick-release knob clamps and releases the FDA by hand, and it can be repositioned anywhere along the dovetail bar. Mount an accessory to the plate once, then snap the whole assembly on and off the telescope in seconds.

Farpoint dovetail accessory adapter, primary product view

Farpoint dovetail accessory adapter shown with D-handle attachment

Farpoint dovetail accessory adapter, side view

Farpoint dovetail accessory adapter, bottom view

Farpoint Dovetail Accessory Adapter

SKU: FDA

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Farpoint FDA System · D-Size Quick Release

Clamp on a mounting platform — snap accessories on and off your dovetail bar, no tools.

The Farpoint Dovetail Accessory Adapter (FDA) is a quick-release clamp that locks onto any D-size (Losmandy-style) dovetail bar and turns it into a mounting platform. Clamp it anywhere along the bar, bolt an accessory to its plate, and pop it off with a twist of the knob — tool-free, repeatable, and secure.

It's also the foundation of a whole family: carry handles, a ball-head camera mount, and your own custom hardware all attach to the FDA, so anything you build onto it goes on and comes off your scope in seconds.

Specifications

Fits

D-size (Losmandy-style) dovetail bars

Clamping

Quick-release knob — tool-free on/off, repositions anywhere along the bar

Mount your own gear

Accessories bolt to the adapter plate — see the product drawing for dimensions and mounting pattern

Works with

Farpoint L-handle, D-handle, and ball head camera adapter (see table below)

Construction

CNC-machined in the USA

Build Your FDA System

The FDA is the building block — pick the configuration that matches what you want to do. Kits include the adapter; add-ons bolt to an FDA you already own.

Product

FDA included?

Best for

FDA AdapterThis model

—

The foundation — mount any FDA accessory or your own hardware

L-Handle Kit

Included

Carrying your telescope — open L-shaped grip

D-Handle Kit

Included

Carrying your telescope — closed D grip

L-Handle (add-on)

Sold separately

Adding an L-handle to an FDA you already own

D-Handle (add-on)

Sold separately

Adding a D-handle to an FDA you already own

Ball Head Camera Adapter

Built in

Piggyback astrophotography — aim a camera anywhere in the sky

Mounting a camera without a ball head? See the Dovetail Camera Mount Quick Release Adapter — a self-contained quick-release camera platform.

Buying the FDA for a carry handle? The L-Handle Kit and D-Handle Kit include the adapter — one purchase, ready to clamp on.

See the Quick Release in Action

Farpoint Dovetail Accessory Adapter quick release demonstration — watch the video

Watch the FDA clamp onto a D-size dovetail bar and release with a twist of the knob — shown here with the carry handle attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the FDA fit my dovetail bar?

The FDA clamps to D-size (Losmandy-style) dovetail bars. It does not fit the narrower V-size (Vixen-style) bars. Not sure which standard you have? D is the wider of the two — our telescope dovetail guide shows how to tell them apart in seconds.

What can I mount on the FDA?

Farpoint's L-handle, D-handle, and ball head camera adapter all bolt straight on. You can also attach your own hardware — the product drawing shows the plate dimensions and mounting pattern for custom accessories.

Do I need tools to install or remove it?

No. The quick-release knob clamps and releases the FDA by hand, and you can reposition it anywhere along the dovetail bar. Mount your accessory to the plate once, then snap the whole assembly on and off your scope in seconds.