Looking for an AP starter kit? This package combines the AM3N mount with ZWOs own 70mm Quad astrograph for a light and portable imaging setup. Tripod and 160mm extension pier included.

Package Includes:

• ZWO FF70-APO Astrograph f/7 490mm
  
• ZWO AM3N Harmonic EQ Mount
• ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod
• PE160 Extension Pier

The FF70 APO uses a quadruplet air-spaced APO lens design, including one piece of ED glass. It supports 44mm, full-frame imaging. 

With an aperture of 70mm, a focal length of 490mm, and a native focal ratio of f/7.0, the FF70 APO is versatile and can be used for both visual observation and astrophotography.

The telescope's self-flattened design means no more precisely calculating your backfocus—if you're achieving focus, you'll get sharp stars, period. 

This also means there's no need for a separate field flattener—your stars will sharp all the way to the corners, straight out of the box.

The FF70 APO OTA weighs only 2.5kg and the gross weight, including the tube rings and dovetail plate, is 3kg—about 6.5 pounds. 

The FF70 APO also comes standard with a photographic extension tube, including M48*0.75 and M54*0.75 adapters, which work well with modern cameras. It also provides a built-in 2-inch filter thread, in case you don't have a filter drawer yet. 

The handle bar of FF70 APO doubles guide scope mount, and there are two additional finder bases on both sides of the focuser, providing additional mounting positions for other astronomical accessories.  (This is a great place to mount an ASI AIR!)

The FF70 APO boasts a rigid, dual-speed R&P 2.4-inch focuser, which has a 1:10 fine adjustment and a 360° scale field rotator at the rear end for precise angle adjustment. 

The dew shield of the FF70 APO is a retractable design, further shortening the overall length and increasing portability. The entire lens tube of the FF70 APO is crafted using high-quality CNC machining. The inside of the FF70 APO's dew shield is covered with matting paint to effectively reduce stray light reflections. 

Main Features

Four-Element Optical Design

44 mm Image Circle — Full-Frame Support

Convenient Design

Starfield Map

Specifications

AM3N Harmonic Mount

ZWO has provided the perfect solution for those astrophotographers looking for a convenient and portable equatorial mount that can operate at peak performance without the need for counterweights! The AM3N is upgraded from the AM3 with internal cable management.

With a traditional EQ mount, it can be difficult to keep balance in RA and DEC directions while being difficult to carry and store. The AM3N Harmonic Drive EQ mount has a large load capacity of 17.6 lb. (8kg) without a counterweight and 28.6 lb. (13kg) with a counterweight (not included) while only weighing in at 8.6 lb. (3.9kg). Stability is essential for operation, and ZWO found a way to balance portability with functionality with the AM3 mount.

The internal structure of the AM3N Harmonic Drive EQ Mount is optimized with the strain wave gear reducer and synchronous belt. This optimization brings more accurate control and a fantastic reduction ratio of 300:1. In addition to having a large load capacity without needing counterweights, the AM3 mount is considered multi-functional and can be used as both an equatorial and alt-azimuth mount. To add to its versatility, the AM3 can be controlled using either the included hand controller or WiFi/Bluetooth.

ZWO has designed the AM3N mount head to be an astrophotographer’s dream mount! While incredibly portable, it also has many features, like the two control options, the harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt, and more that make this mount a must-have tool for your imaging sessions. Check out some of these features below!

Dual Mount Style
ZWO has designed the AM3N mount with the capability of switching between equatorial or alt-azimuth mount modes. You can switch the mode through the included hand controller or through the app on a smartphone/tablet. The body of the mount comes with a status light indicator that will indicate whether the mount is in an equatorial or alt-azimuth mode. The red light signals the AM3 is in EQ mode and the green light signals the mount is in Alt-azimuth mode. The equatorial mode is great for tracking and imaging celestial objects while the alt-azimuth mode works well for observations.

Harmonic Drive Speed Reducer and Synchronous Belt
The incorporated Harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt allow this mount head to have precision control. While a traditional equatorial mount requires counterweights for use, this ZWO mount's harmonic drive speed reducer and synchronous belt eliminate the need for counterweights, though they can be added if desired (an M12 thread interface is available for compatible, user-supplied counterweight shafts). Having this design allows for more accurate control and a reduction ratio of 300:1. If counterweights are added, then it should be secured on a counterweight shaft that is no more than 20cm in length.

0-90° Latitude Adjustment Range
This ZWO AM3N mount comes with a latitude adjustment range of 0-90°. For the first gear, adjust the pitch angle grip to achieve between 0° to 60°. For the second gear, loosen the hex-head screw and adjust the pitch angle grip to get between 45° and 90°. Not only does this allow astrophotographers to use the AM3 in alt-azimuth mode, but it also allows those in both low and high-latitude locations to use this ZWO mount when in equatorial mode.

ASIAIR Plus Compatible
The ZWO ASIair Plus (not included) offers another wireless control solution for this AM3N mount. This small wireless module allows you to control the mount with your smartphone or tablet. If you'd like to add an ASIair Plus to your camera order, you can find it in the suggested accessories section or click the hyperlink above. Please note that this mount is compatible with all versions of the ASIAIR.

ZWO measures each mount and equips it with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves our factory.

The X-axis represents the drive angle, and the Y-axis shows the periodic error, which is consistently maintained within ±15 arcseconds. 

Integrated Type-C and DC Power Ports

The upgraded AM3N weighs just 4.1 kg (9.04 lbs), with a newly optimized design for improved portability and cable management. The dovetail saddle now integrates Type-C and 12V DC ports to minimize clutter, while a magnetic hex key attaches directly to the mount for convenient storage.

Powerful Payload Capacity: 8 –13 kg

The mount supports up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) without counterweights—double its own weight—and up to 13 kg (28.7 lbs) with counterweights, more than triple its weight.

This payload capacity easily accommodates a wide range of telescopes, providing a stable and reliable foundation for your viewing and imaging needs.

Based on internal testing:

1. Maximum load without the counterweight: 8 kg (17.64 lbs) (maximum output torque: 16N · m);
2. Supported counterweight: ≤ 5 kg (11.02 lbs). Maximum load capacity with the counterweight: 13 kg (28.66 lbs).
3. The counterweight should be secured on a counterweight bar of no more than 25 cm (9.84 in) in length.

Equatorial Mode / Alt-azimuth Mode

Can be switched via SkyAtlas App or Hand Controller.

Status Light Indicator

All-round 0°-90° Altitude Scale

The AM3N features a versatile altitude adjustment design ranging from 0° to 90°, allowing for unrestricted use across both low-and high-latitude regions.

Gear 1: Rotate the altitude tension knob for adjustment between 0 and 60.
Gear 2: Loosen the M6 hex screw, and allows adjustment from 30 and 90.

Evolved Portable Control Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity

The AM3N features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling direct smartphone control — no Hand Controller required. Ideal for travel and field use, just bring your phone and you're ready to observe or image.

Wireless Control via Mobile Apps

Operate the mount directly from your phone with an intuitive app featuring an on-screen joystick, Tonight’s Target, GOTO, Live Preview, and more. 

The mount is compatible with ASCOM, INDI, ASIAIR, and other platforms.

Seamless ASIAIR Integration

Experience astrophotography at its best with the ZWO Ecosystem—where every component works together in perfect harmony.