ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Pipe Tripod
An Incredibly Strong, Impressively Lightweight Tripod for Your Astrophotography Setup!
Constructed from carbon fiber, this ZWO TC40 provides a remarkably sturdy yet lightweight foundation for your astrophotography rig! It’s the perfect match for the ZWO AM5, AM5N, or AM3 mounts, and is compatible with other mounts that utilize a 3/8th connecting bolt. This tripod weighs just a smidge over 5 lbs. though can support an impressive 110 lbs., making it the ideal choice for those who enjoy traveling to dark skies. With its premium construction, portable design, and versatility, this ZWO TC-40 is the perfect companion for any astroimaging adventure.
Fitted with a detachable plate, adding or removing your mount is a breeze! After bolting this plate onto your AM5, AN5N, or AM3, you can then simply engage or disengage the securing knob found on this TC-40 for easy installation or removal. Also included within this package are spikes to install at the bottom of the tripod legs, a spreader bar, and a weight bag to aid in stability. Not only is this carbon fiber tripod lightweight, but its collapsible design makes it even easier to travel with. This highly compliments the portable, compact nature of the AM5 and AM3. Also, these adjustable legs are great for achieving optimal leveling for accurate tracking. With features like these, the ZWO TC-40 tripod combines high performance and ease of use all within an ultralight, manageable frame!
Discover More About the TC40!
This ZWO TC-40 has been designed for those seeking a highly sturdy, yet lightweight, tripod for their astrophotography setup. Not only can you easily take this tripod just about anywhere, but you can also pile on the weight with its exceptional payload capacity. Take a look below as we delve deeper into the aspects of what make this tripod remarkable, highlighting the carbon fiber design, adjustable nature, versatility, and useful inclusions!
Carbon Fiber Construction
Carbon fiber is a special material made from tightly woven carbon atoms. By weight, carbon fiber is about 5x stronger than steel, meaning far less of this material is needed to achieve the same magnitude of strength. This makes the ZWO TC-40 both incredibly strong and lightweight! The low 5 lb. weight to high 110 lb. payload capacity is no doubt an impressive feat, showcasing the sheer strength and efficacy of this carbon fiber design. Impact resistant and extremely durable, this ZWO tripod will provide use for years to come.
Adjustable Height
With a dual leg section design, this ZWO TC-40 tripod provides increased stability and rigidity for your astroimaging gear. The upper leg section measures 1.5” (40 mm) in diameter while the lower leg section has a diameter of 1.4” (36 mm). When fully extended, this ZWO tripod reaches a maximum height of 31.5” (80 cm), and a minimum height of 18.5” (47 cm) when collapsed. By having adjustable legs, finding the ideal level is a breeze, allowing for effortless setup on just about any terrain.
Multiple Mounting Points
The included adapter plate houses three mounting points for the ZWO AM5 or AM3 mount heads. After bolting this adapter plate to your ZWO mount, simply insert your mount into the tripod and tighten the securing knob to anchor it in place. Loosening this securing knob slightly will allow your mount to rotate, making it easier to find rough polar alignment. If you’d like to use mount heads from brands other than ZWO such as iOptron, Celestron, or Sky-Watcher, this TC40 is compatible with mounts that utilize a 3/8” locking shaft. Also, at the top of this TC40, you’ll find four M6 holes for adaptation to mounts that need a special adapter plate, as required with certain iOptron mounts.
Essential Inclusions
With the tripod as the foundation of your astrophotography gear, ZWO has added numerous inclusions to further enhance this tripod’s stability. The included weight bag straps to the legs of the tripod, and can be filled with heavy items such as stones or your telescope’s battery pack. This extra weight helps keep this TC40 anchored to the ground for improved steadiness. Also included within this package is a spreader bar that pushes against the legs of this tripod to distribute the payload evenly over each leg, in turn improving rigidity and preventing splaying of the legs. When setting up on soft terrain such as grass, dirt, or gravel, ZWO has added tripod spikes to install on this tripod’s feet. These spikes slightly dig into the ground for reduced vibrations and enhanced grip!
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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