ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount

ZWO AM5 is a highly advanced harmonic equatorial mount that delivers an exceptional level of accuracy and stability for astrophotography. Designed to meet the needs of demanding astrophotographers, the ZWO AM5 is the perfect choice for those who require a reliable and robust mount that can handle even the most challenging observing conditions.

The ZWO AM5 is equipped with a highly efficient harmonic drive system that provides precise tracking and accurate positioning, ensuring that your astrophotography images are always crisp and clear. The mount also features a highly intuitive user interface that makes it easy to operate and adjust settings on the fly.

Thanks to its sturdy construction, the ZWO AM5 is capable of supporting heavy loads, making it ideal for use with large telescopes and imaging systems. The mount also features a range of advanced features such as programmable periodic error correction, an integrated GPS module, and an advanced polar alignment system that allows you to align your mount quickly and easily.

Overall, the ZWO AM5 is an exceptional harmonic equatorial mount that delivers outstanding performance and reliability, making it the perfect choice for serious astrophotographers who demand the very best from their equipment.

ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount Specification:

• Product Name: AM5 Harmonic Drive Mount
• Azimuth Adjustment Range: ±8°
• Latitude Adjustment Range: 0°~90°
• Drive System: Strain Wave Gear (Harmonic Drive)
• Guiding Speed: 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x, 1x
• Polar Scope: QHY Mini PoleMaster
• Maximum Load: No counterweight: 13kg/28.6lbs, With counterweight: 20kg/44lbs
• Maximum Guiding Speed: 1,800x
• Tracking Accuracy: Up to 0.3 arcsec
• Power Supply: DC 11~16V, 3A
• Power Consumption: 0.2A (tracking), 0.6A (slewing)
• Net Weight: 5.5kg/12lbs​¹​

ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount Review:

The ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount is a refreshing addition to the world of astrophotography, perfect for those seeking portability without compromising performance.

Designed with a strain wave gear (harmonic drive), this mount is compact, portable, and lightweight, characteristics that astrophotographers will appreciate, especially those often on the move. The AM5 is not much heavier than a portable star tracker, yet it can handle the job of a much more robust equatorial mount, offering a remarkable blend of portability and performance​

Key features include no counterweight for loads up to 28 lbs, guiding error between 0.6-0.8, Wi-Fi connection, and compatibility with ASCOM and ASIAIR. The AM5 functions in both EQ and AZ modes and accepts both Vixen and Losmandy Dovetail Mounts. It can handle an impressive payload of up to 44 lbs when a counterweight is used. All of this comes in a package that weighs just 11 pounds​

The AM5's performance is solid across a variety of weather conditions, showing its resilience and reliability. It has shown to work well from hot summer nights to frosty winter evenings, adding to its overall versatility​

The mount's standout feature is its portability. It is small enough to be packed into a carry-on bag, which is a significant advantage for those traveling to darker skies. Despite its small size, it's powerful enough to support an advanced astrophotography rig, including a 75mm apochromatic refractor telescope, a full-frame ZWO ASI6200MM Pro monochrome camera, a 5-position filter wheel, and a heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod​

The AM5 is a perfect option for small to medium-sized astrophotography setups and shows its strength in deep-sky astrophotography. Its size and weight don't limit its functionality, and it frequently rivals the capabilities of larger, heavier mounts. Over time, the AM5 could become your go-to mount for astrophotography, owing to its user-friendly design and high performance​

In conclusion, the ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount is a thoughtfully designed and highly capable tool for astrophotographers. Its ability to deliver top-tier performance while offering unmatched portability makes it a standout choice. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned astrophotographer, the AM5 could be the perfect addition to your setup.

ZWO AM5 Equatorial Mount AstroBackyard Review:

"After 8 months of continuous use, I can confidently say that the ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount has proven to be an incredible addition to my astrophotography gear. While initially, I was skeptical of its necessity, the AM5 quickly became a game-changer for me, especially due to its compactness, portability, and lightweight design​. Key features of the ZWO AM5 include the lack of a counterweight for loads up to 28 lbs, guiding error between 0.6-0.8, extreme portability and lightweight design, functioning in EQ/AZ modes, WiFi connection, compatibility with ASCOM, Vixen, and Losmandy dovetail mounts, flawless function with ASIAIR, and a payload capacity of up to 44 lbs with a counterweight​​.

The AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount is an excellent option for small to medium-sized astrophotography setups. Its portability feature is especially advantageous for travels to darker skies during the new moon phase. Despite the sophisticated array of equipment I've used with it, including a 75mm apochromatic refractor telescope, a full-frame ZWO ASI6200MM Pro monochrome camera, a 5-position filter wheel, and a heavy-duty carbon fiber tripod, the AM5 proved to be a seamless fit. Its small size allowed it to be packed neatly into carry-on luggage, and even in a personal item backpack, which is a significant improvement over other larger mounts. One of the standout aspects of the AM5 is its payload capacity. It can handle up to 28.6 pounds without a counterweight and up to an impressive 44 pounds when a counterweight is added. Despite this impressive capacity, the mount itself weighs just 11 pounds, further emphasizing its portability​. The ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount offers excellent value for money considering its impressive feature set, high performance, and convenience of use. Whether you're a seasoned astrophotographer or a beginner venturing into deep-sky imaging, the AM5 is sure to meet and likely exceed your expectations. In conclusion, the ZWO AM5 is an astrophotography mount that I didn't think I needed, but now can't imagine my astrophotography sessions without. It has greatly simplified my process and has made astrophotography more accessible and enjoyable. It's not just about the technology but also about how this mount changes your approach to astrophotography. I highly recommend it." - AstroBackyard