ZWO 131 mm APO Refractor with AM7 Mount
ZWO 131 mm APO Refractor Telescope and AM7 Strainwave Mount Package
Ready to collect stunning detail on the night sky? This ZWO FF131 APO Refractor AM7 package is the ideal solution! Pairing powerful optics with the exceptional tracking performance of the AM7, this perfect match is sure to take your nights under the stars to the next level. Now for a limited time, enjoy a free ZWO TC40 tripod and PE200 pier extension as well!
The quadruplet lens design of the ZWO FF131 APO Refractor not only provides beautiful detail on the cosmos, it also opens the doors to quality of life features both beginner and experienced astroimagers are sure to appreciate. No backspacing calculations are required, nor is an external field flattener! This simpler approach helps streamline your setup for smoother imaging sessions. In addition to powerful optics, ZWO includes their highly renowned AM7 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head for smooth, stable tracking on the stars. Its matching sleek red anodized aluminum construction houses mechanical power capable of driving 44 b. without a counterweight, in footprint weighing just about 15 lb. The perfect grab and go system, this ZWO 131 mm APO Refractor with AM7 Mount bundle helps you explore our universe with ease!
ZWO FF131 APO and AM7 Package At a Glance
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Learn More About the ZWO FF131 APO AM7 Package!
The 131 mm APO Refractor and AM7 kit from ZWO delivers sharp, crisp images of the cosmos within a highly portable form factor. Packed with incredible features, it's a wonderful system for imaging our night sky with both precision and simplicity. Read on as we delve deeper into the features of this ZWO bundle below!
Sharp Detail with the ZWO 131 mm APO Refractor
The ZWO FF131 APO features a 131 mm aperture and 983 mm focal length (f/7.5), offering an excellent balance between portability and performance. Its self-flattening quadruplet design provides a flat field for imaging without the need for an additional field flattener accessory. One ED glass element is incorporated to effectively reduce chromatic aberration for improved color correction and image clarity! With a 44 mm image circle, the FF131 APO fully supports full-frame sensors and a wide range of imaging setups. It delivers sharp star fields with excellent edge-to-edge performance, ensuring consistent image quality across the entire frame. The FF131 APO comes with a photography extension tube with a 2-inch filter thread, along with rear adapters in M48×0.75 and M54×0.75 standards. Also included is a 360-degree rotator, which allows for rotating an attached camera or accessory to the user's desired orientation. The large 3" dual-speed, rack-and-pinion focuser provides 1:10 fine adjustment.
Compact, Yet Mighty. The ZWO AM7 Equatorial Mount
With strainwave reduction gears on both axes, the AM7 can lift an impressive 44 lb. of equipment with no counterweight, matching what popular conventionally geared mounts and counterweights can achieve at 1.7x to 4x the mount weight. Add a counterweight to the included 25 mm diameter bar and the AM7 accelerates past these offerings, reaching an incredible 66 lb.* of capacity that can carry some of the large optical systems in use today. This heavy lifting isn't all the AM7 has to offer however, with ZWO's incredibly easy to use software, excellent compatibility, and thoughtful features. Effortlessly guide the AM7 to your target with your astrophotography suite of choice, ASIAIR (sold separately), or even just your smartphone, with WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The dual saddle cradles telescopes with either of the most popular dovetails on the market, and features cable management to eliminate snag concerns. This powerful combo sits in a mount that weighs about 15 lb., for a truly streamlined heavy duty mount system!
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Free ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod!
Weighing in at 5 lb., this tripod is portable and still maintains a high load capacity of 110 lb. ZWO has built the TC40 tripod's legs from a carbon fiber material, increasing durability, strength, and impact resistance. The upper part of the tripod legs measures 1.5" in diameter and the lower section measures 1.4". The dual-section design provides better stability and rigidity when telescopes and cameras are mounted on the AM3N mount head. The tripod plate head comes with an adapter plate that has three mounting points that match the ZWO AM3N mount head. This ensures that the connection will be very stable and sturdy. Additionally, there is a center 3/8" locking knob that has a range of compatibility. The secure lock reinforces the connection between the mount and the tripod.
Free ZWO PE200 Pier Extension!
This pier extension adds 200 mm to the top of your tripod, providing increased clearance for your imaging train. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this pier extension is highly resistant against temperature shifts and wear and tear. Demonstrating this exceptional durability, the ZWO PE200 features a 110 lb. payload capacity. This gives you confidence that even your heaviest gear is safe atop this ZWO pier extension! Weighing just 3.5 lbs., transport is proven effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I see with the ZWO 131 mm APO refractor telescope?
With the ZWO 131 APO refractor, you can capture sights or images of small deep sky objects within this field of view such as the Whirlpool Galaxy, the Horsehead Nebula, and the Dumbbell Nebula.
Do I need to add a field flattener to my ZWO 131 mm APO refractor telescope?
You do not need to add a separate, dedicated field flattener when using your ZWO APO refractor for imaging, nor do you need to calculate backspacing. This is due to the Petzval design of the refractor.
Is the ZWO 131 mm APO refractor telescope compatible with the ASIAIR Plus?
ZWO has included a dual-purpose handle on the body of the refractor telescope to allow attachment of various accessories such as the ZWO ASIAir Plus WiFi Camera Controller.
How do I attach a camera to the ZWO 131 APO Refractor Telescope?
ZWO has included a photographic extension tube with M48x0.75 and M54x0.75 adapters and 2" filter threads to provide easy attachment to your camera.
What does APO mean?
APO is an abbreviation for apochromatic. Apochromatic is used to describe an optical system that uses a combination of lenses to correct for chromatic aberration.
How do I prevent dew from forming on my optics?
ZWO has included a CNC-machined retractable dew shield to protect against stray light and moisture collection on your lens. It comes with a locking screw to hold it in place throughout your imaging sessions. If you are interested in other types of dew prevention, you can check out our "How to Stop Dew & Frost From Forming on Your Telescope" article.
What are the requirements for the AM7 power supply?
The ZWO AM7 requires 11V-15V with a minimum supply of 5A supply. The mount consumes 12V/0.75A (max) in standby, 12V/0.95A during tracking, and 12V/2.1A during GoTo slews. If the input voltage drops below 10.8V, the AM7 will beep, indicating insufficient power. We suggest utilizing the Apertura 12V 5A power supply (sold separately) for stable and reliable power all night long.
Does the ZWO AM7 include a counterweight?
No, the ZWO AM7 does not include a counterweight. It does come with a counterweight bar, however. This M16 counterweight shaft is 250 mm in length and features a 25 mm diameter.
What counterweight do I use for the ZWO AM7 Equatorial Mount and where do I place the counterweight?
Designed specifically for the ZWO AM7, the Apertura AM7 Counterweight is the perfect choice for maximizing the lifting power of your ZWO equatorial mount! This 22 lb. counterweight features a bore diameter of 25 mm, sliding onto the included counterweight bar of the AM7. As far as counterweight placement goes, check out this detailed explanation on how to calculate the distance to place your counterweight from the mount head.
Does the Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Counterweight work with the AM7?
Only the Sky-Watcher 11 lb. counterweight for the hybrid AZ-EQ6 Pro fits the AM7 counterweight shaft. Additionally, the AM7 counterweight shaft is not long enough to correctly utilize an 11 lb. weight, and would require a second weight. We recommend the Apertura 22 lb. Counterweight For AM7, which offers a sleeker and simpler solution compared to attempting to adapt options like this.
How do you polar align the ZWO AM7?
The ZWO AM7 Equatorial mount does not come with a built-in polar scope meaning software is required for polar alignment. The ZWO ASIAIR (sold separately) includes polar alignment software, while other platforms such as N.I.N.A. or SharpCap offers polar alignment as well.
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
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