ZWO FF90 APO + AM3N Harmonic Mount Bundle with TC40 Tripod & PE160

A 90mm flat-field APO on a counterweight-free mount, light enough for one trip to the car

The ZWO FF90 APO + AM3N Harmonic Mount Bundle puts ZWO's 90mm f/6.8 quadruplet astrograph on the AM3N computerized GoTo mount, with the TC40 carbon fiber tripod and PE160 pier extension. It's a complete imaging mount and telescope that covers a full-frame sensor with sharp stars to the corners, and the bundle costs less than buying the four pieces separately.

Key specs: 90mm f/6.8 quadruplet APO, 609mm focal length · built-in flattener, 44mm full-frame image circle · 4.52kg (10lb) scope with rings and dovetail · AM3N: 8kg (17.6lb) payload without counterweight · ±15″ periodic error · equatorial or alt-az GoTo · Wi-Fi and Bluetooth · TC40 carbon tripod and 160mm pier extension included

What you can image

• Mid-size nebulae: the Eagle, Lagoon and Trifid Nebulae, the Rosette, and the Crescent Nebula with room around it.
• Galaxies: the Andromeda Galaxy, Bode's and the Cigar Galaxy together in one frame, and the Pinwheel Galaxy.
• Star clusters: the Pleiades with its reflection nebulosity, and the Double Cluster.
• Visual observing too: switch the AM3N to alt-az mode, add a 2" diagonal and eyepieces, and get sharp, color-free views of the Moon, planets and bright deep-sky objects.

With an APS-C camera such as the ASI2600MC Pro, the FF90 frames about 2.2° × 1.5° of sky at 1.27″ per pixel; with a full-frame sensor, about 3.4° × 2.3°.

How it sets up

Tripod and mount: open the TC40, set the PE160 on it, and set the AM3N 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 FF90's dovetail into the mount's saddle. Because the flattener is built in, there's no exact back focus to hit: as long as your camera and adapters add no more than 75mm 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 your phone over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, from the included hand controller, or from the ASIAIR, ASCOM or INDI software. The scope's handle doubles as a guide scope mount, and the AM3N's saddle has USB-C and 12V ports to keep cables short.

What to add for the best results

• 12V power (required): the AM3N needs 12V DC at 3A or more, which isn't included. Use the ZWO 12V 5A adapter at home 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 ZWO ASI533MC Pro is a lower-cost cooled color camera with a square 1.06° field.
• 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: the ZWO 30F5 Mini Guide Scope with an ASI120MM Mini guide camera, mounted on the FF90's handle.
• ZWO EAFN electronic focuser: keeps stars sharp as the temperature drops through the night.
• 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 PE160 still attached.

FF90 + AM3N vs. the FF70 and FF110 bundles

Read more about each piece on the ZWO FF90 APO and ZWO AM3N with TC40 tripod pages, or see all ZWO bundles.

What's in the box

• ZWO FF90 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 AM3N mount head with hand controller and connection cable, USB Type-B and USB Type-C cables, hex wrench, periodic error test report for your mount and quick start guide
• ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod with spreader, spiked feet and weight bag
• ZWO PE160 pier extension (three pillars, upper and bottom plates, six M6 screws, hex wrench and quick guide)

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

ZWO FF90 + AM3N Bundle FAQ

Is this a good first astrophotography setup?

Yes. There's no flattener spacing to get right and no mount to balance. Add a camera, 12V power and an ASIAIR, and the ASIAIR walks you through polar alignment, focusing and guiding.

Which camera works best with it?

An APS-C cooled camera like the ASI2600MC Pro gives a 2.2° × 1.5° field at 1.27″ per pixel, a good fit for mid-size nebulae and galaxy groups. The 44mm image circle covers a full-frame sensor too. DSLR and mirrorless cameras work with a T-ring.

Is the AM3N strong enough for the FF90?

Yes, for a typical imaging rig. The AM3N carries 8kg (17.6lb) without a counterweight, and the FF90 uses 4.52kg of that with its rings and dovetail. A cooled camera, small guide scope and ASIAIR fit in the 3.5kg that's left. For a filter wheel, off-axis guider and heavier camera, add a counterweight (up to 13kg) or choose the FF110 + AM5N bundle.

FF90 + AM3N or FF70 + AM3N?

The FF70 bundle is lighter, frames bigger targets and leaves more payload room. The FF90 gathers about 65% more light and its longer focal length suits mid-size galaxies and nebulae.

Do I need the pier extension?

It's included, and we recommend using it whenever a camera is on the back of the scope. It lifts the mount 160mm so the camera clears the tripod legs when the scope points near the zenith.

Can I use it for visual observing?

Yes. Switch the AM3N to alt-azimuth mode for GoTo without polar alignment, and add a 2" diagonal and eyepieces to the FF90's focuser.

What power does it need?

The AM3N runs on 12V DC (at least 3A), which isn't included. It draws about 0.65A standing by and 1.3A while slewing, so a 12V power tank lasts a full night.

Specifications