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See It In Person - On Display In Our Showroom!
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A 2.3kg carbon fiber tripod that holds 50kg of mount and telescope
Why we like the TC40:
- Made for ZWO's harmonic mounts: the head plate has three mounting points that match the AM3, AM5, AM3N and AM5N base, so the mount bolts down solidly with no adapter.
- Light enough to fly with: it weighs 2.3kg (5.1lb) and folds to 500mm (19.7"), so it fits in carry-on luggage.
- Stiffer than it looks: thick 40mm and 36mm carbon legs, a spreader plate that locks the legs open, and a weight bag you can fill with rocks or a power tank keep the mount steady in a breeze.
- Worth knowing: right now the AM3N, AM5N and AM7 bundles already include a TC40. Buy it separately if you have a head-only mount, want a second tripod for a dark-site kit, or want to put another brand's mount on carbon legs.
The ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod is the low, sturdy tripod ZWO designed for its strain wave (harmonic) GoTo mounts. Its two-section carbon fiber legs adjust from 470mm to 800mm (18.5" to 31.5"), and it's rated for 50kg (110lb). A center 3/8" locking knob fits ZWO mounts directly, and the head plate flips over so you can attach other mounts with a 3/8" threaded base.
Key specs: carbon fiber legs · 2.3kg (5.1lb) · 50kg (110lb) load capacity · height 470–800mm (18.5–31.5") · folds to 500mm (19.7") · 2 leg sections, 40mm and 36mm · reversible head plate with 3/8" lock knob · spreader and weight bag included
The TC40 is on display in our Denver store, so you can see it in person before you buy.
What it carries
- ZWO AM3 and AM3N: a light travel rig with a RedCat 51, FF65 or 70mm refractor.
- ZWO AM5 and AM5N: 80–130mm refractors, small RASAs and SCTs, with a full imaging train.
- ZWO AM7: ZWO pairs the AM7 with the TC40, though for the heaviest scopes a pier is steadier.
- Other mounts: flip the head plate to use the 3/8" threaded hole with mounts that have a 3/8" base.
How it sets up
Open the legs, extend the lower sections to the height you want and tighten the leg locks. Turn the knob under the head to push the spreader plate up against the legs, which spreads and locks them. Set your mount on the head plate, line up the three mounting points and tighten the center locking knob. Hang the weight bag from the spreader and fill it for extra stability.
The TC40 sits low by design. A short tripod is stiffer, and with a harmonic mount and a refractor the eyepiece or camera usually ends up at a comfortable height. If your telescope hits the tripod legs when it points high, add a pier extension (below).
What to add for the best results
- ZWO 200mm pier extension or 160mm pier extension: raises the mount so longer telescopes and cameras clear the legs near the zenith.
- TC40 tripod case: carries the tripod with a pier extension still attached.
- Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro: powers the mount and camera, and doubles as weight in the tripod's bag.
TC40 with ZWO mounts
| AM3N + TC40 | AM5N + TC40 | AM7 + TC40 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payload, no counterweight | 8kg (17.6lb) | 15kg (33lb) | 20kg (44lb) |
| Payload, with counterweight | 13kg (28.7lb) | 20kg (44lb) | 30kg (66lb) |
| Mount head weight | 4.1kg (9lb) | 5.5kg (12.1lb) | 6.75kg (14.9lb) |
| Head plus TC40 | 6.4kg (14.1lb) | 7.8kg (17.2lb) | 9.05kg (20lb) |
| Best for | Travel rigs and refractors up to about 80mm | The all-round imaging mount, up to about 130mm | Heavy refractors, 8–11" SCTs and RASAs |
See all ZWO mounts and accessories.
What's in the box
- TC40 carbon fiber tripod with spreader plate
- Tripod head plate
- Three spiked feet
- Weight bag
The mount and pier extensions are sold separately.
ZWO TC40 FAQ
Which mounts does it fit?
It bolts directly to the ZWO AM3, AM5, AM3N, AM5N and AM7. With the head plate turned over, its 3/8" threaded hole also fits mounts from Celestron, iOptron, Rainbow Astro and Sky-Watcher that have a 3/8" base. If you're not sure about your mount, ask us.
Do I need it if I'm buying an AM3N or AM5N?
Not right now. Our AM3N, AM5N and AM7 bundles already include a TC40. Buy this one if your mount came without a tripod or you want a second one.
Is a carbon tripod steady enough for imaging?
Yes, at its intended loads. Keep the legs spread with the spreader locked, extend the legs only as far as you need, and fill the weight bag on windy nights.
Why is it so short?
A low tripod is stiffer and steadier. Harmonic mounts don't need much height for the camera to clear the legs, and a pier extension adds height when you need it.
Can I take it on a plane?
Yes. It folds to 500mm (19.7") and weighs 2.3kg (5.1lb), so it fits in most carry-on bags.
Can I see one before I buy?
Yes. The TC40 is on display in our Denver store.
Specifications
| Tripod | |
|---|---|
| Material | Carbon fiber legs |
| Leg sections | 2 |
| Leg diameter | 40mm upper, 36mm lower |
| Load capacity | 50kg (110lb) |
| Adjustable height | 470–800mm (18.5–31.5") |
| Folded length | 500mm (19.7") |
| Head | |
| Head plate | Three mounting points for ZWO AM-series mounts; reversible |
| Center lock | 3/8" locking knob; 3/8" threaded hole with the plate reversed |
| Head diameter | 124mm |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 2.3kg (5.1lb) |
| Included | Spreader plate, spiked feet, weight bag |
| Model / SKU | ZWO-TC40 |