All coupons, tax, shipping, store credit and gift cards will be applied during checkout.
The ZWO AM5N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount is a compact, high-performance mount designed for astrophotographers who demand precision and portability. Featuring a strain-wave harmonic drive system, it delivers zero backlash and maintains exceptional tracking accuracy with a periodic error of ±10″, making it ideal for long-exposure imaging. Despite its lightweight 5.5 kg build, the AM5N can carry up to 15 kg without a counterweight and up to 20 kg with one, offering a strong payload-to-weight ratio. The AM5N improves upon its predecessor with better cable management, integrated USB‑C and 12 V power ports at the saddle, spring-loaded azimuth adjustments, and both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It supports equatorial and alt-azimuth modes, and includes a built-in safety brake for added security in case of power loss. Real-world performance shows guiding RMS values of around 0.3″-0.5″, with minimal drift even in unguided sessions, thanks to its low periodic error.
×
![]()
Highlighted Products
iOptron Carbon Fiber Tripod
The iOptron Carbon Fiber Tripod for HEM27 Hybrid Mounts is revolutionary for those in astronomy looking for dependability and adaptability. Built from lightweight but remarkably robust carbon fiber, this tripod primarily handles iOptron's sophisticated HEM27 mounts, the HEM27A and the HEM27EC. Its impressive load capacity of up to 110 pounds allows the steadiness required for best performance. Its changeable height runs from 21 to 36.8".
Pegasus Astro Carbon Fiber Tripod
The Pegasus Astro Carbon Fiber Tripod is a perfect accessory for your NYX-101 Harmonic Drive Mount, combining strength and adaptability. Designed for flawless fit with the NYX-101, this tripod highlights the advantages of carbon fiber by offering a solid framework while still being lightweight for simple travel. Its flexible height spans from a small retracted length of 65 cm to a fantastic expanded length of 120 cm.
Vaonis Adjustable Tripod for Vespera
Use the adjustable tripod for your Vespera Smart Telescope to improve your stargazing experience! This strong tripod improves your observation station's adaptability and stability, enabling a more fun watching experience. Ideal for novices and experienced astronomers, this tripod lets you easily explore a range of ground. Take advantage of the fantastic heavenly views you may capture!
ZWO AM3N Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount and Tripod (2025)
The ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount with Tripod is a compact, high-performance tracking system designed for serious astrophotographers seeking portability and precision. Despite its lightweight design, it can carry payloads of up to 8 kg without a counterweight and up to 13 kg when counterbalanced, offering an excellent payload-to-weight ratio.
ZWO Tripod and Tripod Head for the SeeStar Smart Telescope
The ZWO Tripod and Tripod Head for the SeeStar Smart Telescope is a lightweight, portable mounting solution designed to enhance the performance and flexibility of Seestar smart telescopes. The TH10 Fluid Tripod Head features an all-metal build and offers smooth, hydraulic pan and tilt movement, enabling precise adjustments for equatorial alignment. It supports loads of up to 5 kg and offers a full 360 ° panning range and a tilt range from -90 ° to +90 °, making it ideal for both astrophotography and visual observing. Its quick-release plate system and scale markings help streamline setup and improve accuracy during alignment.
More About This Category
ZWO's equipment is built to provide constant support and precise tracking, both essential for beautiful astrophotography. ZWO ensures your equipment is safe and prepared for superb photography, whether you're watching in your backyard or at a distant dark sky location.
Importance of Mounts and Tripods in Astronomy
- Stability and Vibration Reduction: Tripods and a sturdy mount are essential to reduce vibrations, which can skew long-exposure photos. ZWO tripods and mounts are engineered using high-quality materials to provide optimal stability and crisp, clear photos.
- Accurate Tracking: Celestial objects move across the sky due to the Earth's rotation. An equatorial mount with precise tracking capabilities, like those offered by ZWO, compensates for this movement, enabling long exposure times without star trails.
- Ease of Alignment: ZWO mounts offer user-friendly alignment procedures, polar alignment tools, and software assistance for accurate tracking and imaging. They are lightweight, durable, and portable, benefiting astronomers who travel frequently.
ZWO offers a choice of mounts: AZ, which is more user-friendly and used for visual observations, and EQ, which perfectly tracks motion and has the stability needed to overcome the Earth’s rotation for photography. When selecting a tripod, consider the weight of your telescope and camera, the height you need, and the stability required for your location. ZWO tripods are designed to accommodate various setups and provide robust support.
What are the advantages of an automated mount? ZWO offers a variety of mount options: EQ mounts are more user-friendly and more suited for visual viewing, while AZ mounts are better for imaging due to their ability to retain precision and counteract the earth's rotation.
Can I use ZWO mounts with other manufacturers of telescopes and cameras? It is feasible to mount ZWO on pre-built equipment because the owners of these mounts are adaptable and work with various incarnations, including telescopes and cameras created by different manufacturers.
How ZWO Mounts and Tripods Enhance Astrophotography
- Precision Engineering: Innovative ZWO mounts are meticulously constructed to guarantee smooth motion and accurate tracking. Accuracy is crucial when taking long-exposure photos of dim and deep-sky objects. Many ZWO mounts come equipped with contemporary features like the GoTo capability, making it easier to travel toward any particular object chosen from thousands of objects. Here, the significant advantages for both novice and seasoned viewers may be distinguished.
- User-Friendly Design: ZWO prioritizes the user experience in the design of its tripods and mounts, making them simple to assemble and operate. Setup is simple thanks to quick-release mechanisms, simple controls, and thorough manuals. When ZWO cameras are utilized, these mounts and tripods work together to form a seamless astrophotography system. Compatibility and integrated software solutions guarantee the smooth operation of the complete arrangement.
- Sturdiness and Resistance to Weather: Astronomy frequently necessitates being outside in various weather situations. ZWO tripods and mounts are designed to endure the weather, offering dependable operation in multiple settings. Expandability possibilities are available with ZWO mounts and tripods as your astrophotography quest progresses. To improve the performance of your system, you can add accessories like auto-guiders, more counterweights, and updated software.
Astrophotographers need accuracy and stability of movements to reach good results. That is why tripods and ZWO mounts are essential equipment. Due to their sturdiness, the finest incorporated technology, and simplicity of utilization, they are optimal for astronomers. The equipment you will buy – the ZWO mount and the tripod – should be high-quality; with this equipment, your astrophotography evening will be practical and fun, and the results will be unforgettable. From capturing distant astronomy objects such as galaxies to the surface detail of the moon, ZWO offers you the ground you require to have a deep and transparent look at the cosmos.
Astrophotographers will find the TC40 Carbon Fiber Pipe Tripod a perfect match because of its sturdy construction and lightweight design. Despite weighing only 5 pounds, it can support up to 110 pounds. Its dual-section legs provide more strength and stability. To prevent damage to the equipment, the AM5N EQ/Alt-Az mount head has Power Failure Protection. It can be operated manually with a hand controller or remotely over WiFi or Bluetooth using the ZWO StarGazing app. The mount is a solid and adaptable tool for astrophotography because it also works with iPads running iOS 12 or later and enables PC and ASIAIR connectivity via USB.
The lightweight FF80 mm APO Refractor and the AM3 Harmonic Drive EQ/AZ Mount Head make up this ZWO combo, which is perfect for astrophotographers on the go. With its synchronous belt and harmonic drive, the AM3 mount does away with counterweights and provides both alt-azimuth and equatorial modes. With its 4-element, 3+1 air-spaced lens design, the FF80 mm APO Refractor reduces chromatic aberrations and provides a level field of view. The TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod completes the setup with outstanding stability and up to 110 lb support. A 360-degree rotator and camera adapters round out the FF80's features, making it a functional and adaptable astrophotography gear.
The lightweight, durable ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Pipe Tripod can support ZWO AM5 or AM3 Equatorial/Alt-Azimuth mounts. This is due to the chair's portability—it weighs only five pounds but can securely support 110 pounds. The tripod has two levels and is made of carbon fiber. 5 "and 1 " 4" diameter legs to improve the stability and rigidity of the legs and tabletop, respectively. Various mounts from different manufacturers, including Celestron, iOptron, Rainbow Astro, and Sky-Watcher, are compatible with the tripod. It may be raised or lowered to 18 to 21 inches. 5 to 31. 5 inches is readily foldable to roughly 19 inches. It also includes an adaptor and a weight bag.