ZWO FF131 APO + AM7 Harmonic Mount Bundle with TC40 Tripod & PE200

ZWO's 5-inch flat-field APO on the mount built to carry it

The ZWO FF131 APO + AM7 Harmonic Mount Bundle puts ZWO's flagship 131mm f/7.5 quadruplet astrograph on the AM7 computerized GoTo mount, with the TC40 carbon fiber tripod and PE200 pier extension. It's the most capable FF bundle ZWO offers: full-frame coverage, 983mm of focal length and plenty of mount to spare, and the bundle costs less than buying the four pieces separately.

Key specs: 131mm f/7.5 quadruplet APO, 983mm focal length · built-in flattener, 44mm full-frame image circle · 9.4kg (20.7lb) scope with rings and dovetail · AM7: 20kg (44lb) payload without counterweight · ±10″ periodic error · equatorial or alt-az GoTo · Wi-Fi and Bluetooth · TC40 carbon tripod and 200mm pier extension included

What you can image

• Small galaxies: the Sombrero, Needle, Black Eye and NGC 891, plus galaxy groups like Stephan's Quintet and Markarian's Chain in a mosaic.
• Planetary nebulae: the Ring, Dumbbell, Cat's Eye and Owl Nebulae with real structure.
• Globular clusters: M13 and M3 resolved into thousands of stars.
• Visual observing too: in alt-az mode, high-power views of Saturn, Jupiter and the Moon, and close double stars.

With an APS-C camera such as the ASI2600MC Pro, the FF131 frames about 1.4° × 0.9° of sky at 0.79″ per pixel; with a full-frame sensor, about 2.1° × 1.4°.

How it sets up

Tripod and mount: open the TC40, set the PE200 on it, and set the AM7 on top and tighten the locking knobs. There's no counterweight to add. Set your latitude with the knob (0–60° in one position, 30–90° in the other) and polar align electronically with the ASIAIR or the ZWO app.

Telescope and camera: slide the FF131's dovetail into the mount's saddle. Because the flattener is built in, there's no exact back focus to hit: anywhere from 42mm to 73mm of spacing behind the M48 thread, you'll reach focus with sharp stars to the corners. The included photography extension tube and M48 and M54 adapters fit dedicated astronomy cameras, and a T-ring connects a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Control: run the mount from the included hand controller, which also creates a Wi-Fi hotspot, from your phone over Bluetooth with the ZWO Sky Atlas app, or from the ASIAIR by cable or Wi-Fi. The scope's handle doubles as a guide scope mount, and the AM7's saddle has USB-C and DC power ports to keep cables short.

Using it in Colorado

• Wind: a long refractor catches the breeze on the plains and in the mountains. Fill the TC40's weight bag, spread the legs on firm ground, and save the longest exposures for calm nights.
• Cold nights: ZWO rates the AM7 to -20°C (-4°F). Bring extra 12V power, since batteries lose capacity in the cold.

What to add for the best results

• 12V power (required): the AM7 runs on 12V DC, which isn't included. Use the ZWO 12V 5A adapter at home, the 12V 10A adapter if you'll also power a cooled camera from the saddle, or a 12V power tank like the Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro in the field.
• A camera (required for imaging): the ZWO ASI2600MC Pro (APS-C, cooled) is a natural match for the 44mm image circle; the ASI2600MM Pro mono version with a 7-position 2" filter wheel is an easy load for the AM7.
• ASIAIR Plus 256GB: runs the mount, camera, guiding and polar alignment from your phone, and mounts on the scope's handle or finder base.
• Guiding: at 983mm, an off-axis guider is the most reliable choice: the ZWO OAG-L with an ASI220MM Mini guide camera. The 30F5 Mini Guide Scope with an ASI120MM Mini is the simpler option.
• ZWO EAFN electronic focuser: keeps stars sharp as the temperature drops through the night, which matters more at 983mm.
• Light-pollution filter: a 2" ZWO Duo-Band filter in a ZWO M54 2" filter drawer for nebulae from city and suburban skies.
• TC40 tripod case: carries the tripod with the PE200 still attached.

FF131 + AM7 vs. the other FF bundles

Read more about each piece on the ZWO FF131 APO and ZWO AM7 with TC40 tripod pages, or see all ZWO bundles.

What's in the box

• ZWO FF131 APO optical tube with handle, tube rings and dovetail plate, plus the photography extension tube with M48 and M54 adapters, user manual, inspection sheet and warranty card
• ZWO AM7 mount head with AM7 hand controller, magnetic hex wrench and periodic error test report for your mount
• ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod with spreader, spiked feet and weight bag
• ZWO PE200 pier extension with Sky-Watcher adapter plate and two M6 × 25 screws

The camera, 12V power supply, diagonal, eyepieces and counterweights are sold separately.

ZWO FF131 + AM7 Bundle FAQ

FF131 + AM7 or FF131 + AM5N?

Both carry the scope without a counterweight. The AM5N bundle is lighter and less expensive and fine for a typical camera and guider. The AM7 leaves about 10.6kg of payload instead of 5.6kg and holds the long tube steadier, so it's the one we'd pick for a filter wheel train or windy sites.

Which camera works best with it?

An APS-C cooled camera like the ASI2600MC Pro gives a 1.4° × 0.9° field at 0.79″ per pixel, well matched to small galaxies under good skies. The 44mm image circle covers full frame (2.1° × 1.4°).

Is the TC40 tripod strong enough?

Yes. The TC40 is rated for 50kg (110lb), well above this kit's loaded weight. For a permanent backyard setup, a pier is steadier still.

Do I need the pier extension?

It's included, and we recommend using it. It lifts the mount 200mm so the camera behind this 878mm-long tube clears the tripod legs near the zenith.

Can I use it for visual observing?

Yes. Switch the AM7 to alt-azimuth mode for GoTo without polar alignment, and add a 2" diagonal and eyepieces. The color-free 131mm optics are excellent on the Moon and planets.

What power does it need?

12V DC, which isn't included. A 12V adapter at home or a 12V power tank in the field both work; size it up if a cooled camera also runs from the same supply.

Specifications