ZWO FF65 Apo 65mm f/6.4 Telescope Bundle w/ AM3 Mount, Tripod & Pier Extension
Availability: No ETA available from the manufacturer at this time
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ZWO FF65 APO
The ZWO FF65 APO is a refractive astrograph with a powerful flatfield optical design which saves you from the expensive cost of a field flattener. It eliminates the trouble of calculating the back focus distance of the flattener and any possible accessories you need. As long as the target is focused, the whole optical system is perfect for imaging. This makes the whole setting up process much more convenient, and saves your time, allowing you to pay more attention to the image shooting itself.
The FF65 APO is also a nice choice for your visual observation. It fits diagonals as well as various eyepieces and can achieve a perfect focus, and can even be used to observe planets with a super high magnification eyepiece.
The whole design of the telescope is compact and lightweight. The OTA weighs only 2kg, and the full package with tube rings and other accessories weighs 2.8kg. It has an aperture of 65mm. The focal ratio is f/6.4 and focal length is 416mm. Instead of the quadruplet structure of other ZWO FF APO telescopes, the FF65 APO is a quintuplet with two ED glasses which offers excellent control of chromatic and other aberrations.
The FF65 APO supports the full-frame imaging circle and has a fine spot diagram with tiny distortions of the peripheral stars. The 2.5" rigid focuser comes with a new type of 360 degree rotator with scales and a finder base. M68, M54, and M48 camera adapters are also attached, and the M48 adapter has a 2" female thread for installing filters.
Quintuplet air-spaced APO
FF65 APO is a quintuplet with two ED glasses which offers excellent control of chromatic and other aberrations.
44mm image circle
FF65 APO supports full frame cameras such as ASI6200 which gives you a larger field of view. The stars are small and round with a central RMS radius of 2.5um.
Self-flattening design
No need for a separate field flattener, the FF65 APO eliminates the trouble of calculating the back focus distance of the flattener and connecting varius accessories to achieve that distance. You can just connect any possible accessories you need. As long as the target is focused, the whole optical system is perfect for imaging.
ZWO FF65 APO Specifications
- Observing mode: 121mm
- Aperture size: 65mm
- Focal length: 416mm
- Focal ratio: f/6.4
- Net weight: 2kg
- Gross weight: 2.8kg
- Image circle: 44mm
- Objective lens: Quintuplet air-spaced APO (including two ED glass)
- Dew shield OD: 88mm / 3.46"
- Imaging mode:
- 76mm (from the base of M48x0.75 male thread)
- 105mm (from the base of M54x0.75 male thread)
- 130mm (from the base of M61x1 male thread)
- Rear-end thread type:
- M68x1-M54x0.75
- M54x0.75-M54x0.75
- M54x0.75-M48x0.75
- (M48x0.75 filter thread inside)
- Total length:
- 328mm (including 1.25" eyepiece holder as dew shield contracted)
- 360mm (including the 3-piece adapter as dew shield contracted)
- 388mm (including 1.25" eyepiece holder as dew shield fully stretched)
- 420mm (including the3-piece adapter as dew shield fully stretched)
- Rear end of the 3-piece photographic adapters: M48x0.75
ZWO AM3 Mount
Astrophotographers have been raving about the ZWO AM5's performance and portability, and it has quickly become one of the hobby's best-selling mounts. Now, ZWO has introduced its little brother, the even more portable AM3!
There are two available versions of this ZWO mount:
- ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head (no tripod)
- ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount and Tripod (this product, comes with tripod)
ZWO AM3 Mount Unboxing Video
Agena Astro Affiliate SarahMaths Astro created this unboxing video showing the ZWO AM3 and how it compares to the ZWO AM5:
ZWO AM3 Payload Capacity & Portability
Unlike traditional German Equatorial Mounts, strain wave drive mounts like the AM3 can carry telescope rigs without the need for counterweights. The AM3 can carry 17.5 lbs (8kg) without a counterweight, which is more than enough for many wide field or small telescope rigs. When paired with an additional counterweight and counterweight bar, the payload capacity expands to 28.5 lbs (13kg).
Some popular German Equatorial Mounts can weigh over 50 lbs (23kg) when fully assembled. The AM3, fully assembled with its tripod plus an optional counterweight and counterweight bar, weighs a mere 17.5 lbs (9kg)!
ZWO AM3 Hybrid Equatorial & Altazimuth Operation
The ZWO AM3's full 0-90º latitude range allows for operation anywhere on Earth
Like its bigger brother, the ZWO AM3 can operate in both equatorial and altazimuth modes. Though the AM3 was designed with astrophotography in mind, its ability to also operate in altazimuth mode makes it an excellent portable GoTo mount for visual astronomy, too. As an added bonus, its latitude range spans from 0-90º, meaning you can truly use it anywhere on Earth.
ZWO AM3 Compatibility
Like the AM5, the ZWO AM3 is also designed to work seamlessly with the ZWO ASIAIR smart astrophotography controller. For those that don't own the ASIAIR, ZWO also makes an iOS and Android compatible ASI Mount app. The ASI Mount app lets you wirelessly control to the AM3 or AM5 and download firmware updates from your smartphone or tablet.
A fully loaded ZWO AM3 mount with telescope, camera, and more accessories
The AM3 mount also features a dual saddle, meaning it can carry both a Vixen (V-style) or Losmandy (D-style) dovetail — both of the industry standard mounting options for all sizes of telescopes.
ZWO AM3 Hand Controller and Wireless Operation
The included rocker-style hand controller for the ZWO AM3
The ZWO AM3 includes a rocker-style hand controller that allows you to point the mount in any direction. The hand controller lets you switch between equatorial and altazimuth modes, which can also be done via the ASI Mount app.
Additional Perks of Strain Wave Drive Mounts
Another plus of the strain wave drive design is that balancing the telescope rig on top is no longer required. Just mount it, polar align, and you're good to go. There are no clutches to fiddle with or remember to lock or unlock either, saving you time setting up and tearing down.
Last but not least, strain wave drive mounts like the AM3 do not suffer from backlash. Backlash is a common issue in traditional worm drive equatorial mounts and can affect tracking performance. Strain wave drive mounts do see some periodic error, but ZWO guarantees that this is kept to less than ±20 arcseconds, which is not enough to affect most imaging. Each AM3 and AM5 mount come with an inspection certificate showing the periodic error, which is carefully inspected at ZWO's factory.
Power & USB Ports on the ZWO AM3
The ZWO AM3 features a handful of ports for connecting various accessories. Included ports and indicators are:
- DC 12v power supply port
- Autoguiding port for connecting a guide camera
- A port for connecting the hand controller
- A USB 2.0 port for connecting to a smart controller like the ASIAIR
- A status indicator light (Red = EQ mode, Green = Alt-Az mode)
ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod
The included ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod is a perfect match for the AM5. Sporting a light weight of just 5 lbs (2.3 kg), the tripod can carry loads up to 110 lbs (50 kg) so you can feel safe about your gear being secure while still having a portable setup. More specifications can be found on the ZWO TC40 product page.
ZWO AM3 Power Supply and Accessories
The ZWO AM3 requires a 12v/5a DC power supply that is sold separately.
Other accessories available include the BC230 counterweight bar, which is designed for use with both the AM3 and AM5. Compatible counterweights can be found in the Related Products & Accessories section on that page.
Lastly, there are two pier extensions available for the AM3 and AM5, both of which are ideal for astrophotographers using longer telescope tubes like large refractors:
ZWO AM3 Specifications List
- Mount type: Equatorial mount
- Mount mode: Equatorial mode/Altazimuth mode
- Drive type: Strain wave gear + synchronous belt (300:1 reduction ratio)
- Payload Capacity without Counterweight: 17.5lbs (8kg)
- Payload Capacity with Counterweight: 28.5lbs (13kg)
- Mount Head weight: 8.5lbs (3.9kg)
- Latitude adjustment range: (0º - 90º)
- Azimuth angle adjustment range: ±6º
- Periodic error: ±15 arcseconds
- Periodic error duration: 288 seconds
- Saddle type: Losmandy & Vixen (500g)
- Drive (RA): NEMA35 stepper motor (model number 14, reduction ratio 100:1) with brake
- Drive (Dec): NEMA35 stepper motor (model number 14)
- Interface thread of counterweight shaft: M12
- Stepper motor resolution: 0.17"
- Max slew speed: 6º per second
- Slew rates: 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1440x
- Power port: DC 5.5x2.1mm (12v, 5a)
- Power consumption (standby): 12v / 0.5a
- Power consumption (tracking): 12v / 0.5a
- Power consumption (slewing/GoTo): 12v / 0.7a (1.3a Heavy load mode)
- Guide port: ST-4
- Communication interfaces: USB/WiFi/Bluetooth
- Zero position: Mechanical
- Operating temperature: -15ºC (5ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF)
- Power failure protection: Yes
- Mount base diameter: 122mm
| Manufacturer | ZWO |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Telescope Focal Length | 401 - 500mm |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- FF65 APO
- Vixen dovetail plate
- A set of 3-piece photographic adapters
- Manual
- AM3 Mount Head
- Soft Carry Case
- 2-meter USB 2.0 cable
- Periodic Error Test Report
- Quick Guide Brochure / Quick Start Guide
- Hand controller
- 2-meter hand controller cable
- M6 Allen Key
- M4 Allen Key
- Carbon fiber tripod
- Note: No hard case is included with the 65mm ZWO scope
ZWO FF65 APO
The ZWO FF65 APO is a refractive astrograph with a powerful flatfield optical design which saves you from the expensive cost of a field flattener. It eliminates the trouble of calculating the back focus distance of the flattener and any possible accessories you need. As long as the target is focused, the whole optical system is perfect for imaging. This makes the whole setting up process much more convenient, and saves your time, allowing you to pay more attention to the image shooting itself.
The FF65 APO is also a nice choice for your visual observation. It fits diagonals as well as various eyepieces and can achieve a perfect focus, and can even be used to observe planets with a super high magnification eyepiece.
The whole design of the telescope is compact and lightweight. The OTA weighs only 2kg, and the full package with tube rings and other accessories weighs 2.8kg. It has an aperture of 65mm. The focal ratio is f/6.4 and focal length is 416mm. Instead of the quadruplet structure of other ZWO FF APO telescopes, the FF65 APO is a quintuplet with two ED glasses which offers excellent control of chromatic and other aberrations.
The FF65 APO supports the full-frame imaging circle and has a fine spot diagram with tiny distortions of the peripheral stars. The 2.5" rigid focuser comes with a new type of 360 degree rotator with scales and a finder base. M68, M54, and M48 camera adapters are also attached, and the M48 adapter has a 2" female thread for installing filters.
Quintuplet air-spaced APO
FF65 APO is a quintuplet with two ED glasses which offers excellent control of chromatic and other aberrations.
44mm image circle
FF65 APO supports full frame cameras such as ASI6200 which gives you a larger field of view. The stars are small and round with a central RMS radius of 2.5um.
Self-flattening design
No need for a separate field flattener, the FF65 APO eliminates the trouble of calculating the back focus distance of the flattener and connecting varius accessories to achieve that distance. You can just connect any possible accessories you need. As long as the target is focused, the whole optical system is perfect for imaging.
ZWO FF65 APO Specifications
- Observing mode: 121mm
- Aperture size: 65mm
- Focal length: 416mm
- Focal ratio: f/6.4
- Net weight: 2kg
- Gross weight: 2.8kg
- Image circle: 44mm
- Objective lens: Quintuplet air-spaced APO (including two ED glass)
- Dew shield OD: 88mm / 3.46"
- Imaging mode:
- 76mm (from the base of M48x0.75 male thread)
- 105mm (from the base of M54x0.75 male thread)
- 130mm (from the base of M61x1 male thread)
- Rear-end thread type:
- M68x1-M54x0.75
- M54x0.75-M54x0.75
- M54x0.75-M48x0.75
- (M48x0.75 filter thread inside)
- Total length:
- 328mm (including 1.25" eyepiece holder as dew shield contracted)
- 360mm (including the 3-piece adapter as dew shield contracted)
- 388mm (including 1.25" eyepiece holder as dew shield fully stretched)
- 420mm (including the3-piece adapter as dew shield fully stretched)
- Rear end of the 3-piece photographic adapters: M48x0.75
ZWO AM3 Mount
Astrophotographers have been raving about the ZWO AM5's performance and portability, and it has quickly become one of the hobby's best-selling mounts. Now, ZWO has introduced its little brother, the even more portable AM3!
There are two available versions of this ZWO mount:
- ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount Head (no tripod)
- ZWO AM3 Harmonic Drive Equatorial Mount and Tripod (this product, comes with tripod)
ZWO AM3 Mount Unboxing Video
Agena Astro Affiliate SarahMaths Astro created this unboxing video showing the ZWO AM3 and how it compares to the ZWO AM5:
ZWO AM3 Payload Capacity & Portability
Unlike traditional German Equatorial Mounts, strain wave drive mounts like the AM3 can carry telescope rigs without the need for counterweights. The AM3 can carry 17.5 lbs (8kg) without a counterweight, which is more than enough for many wide field or small telescope rigs. When paired with an additional counterweight and counterweight bar, the payload capacity expands to 28.5 lbs (13kg).
Some popular German Equatorial Mounts can weigh over 50 lbs (23kg) when fully assembled. The AM3, fully assembled with its tripod plus an optional counterweight and counterweight bar, weighs a mere 17.5 lbs (9kg)!
ZWO AM3 Hybrid Equatorial & Altazimuth Operation
The ZWO AM3's full 0-90º latitude range allows for operation anywhere on Earth
Like its bigger brother, the ZWO AM3 can operate in both equatorial and altazimuth modes. Though the AM3 was designed with astrophotography in mind, its ability to also operate in altazimuth mode makes it an excellent portable GoTo mount for visual astronomy, too. As an added bonus, its latitude range spans from 0-90º, meaning you can truly use it anywhere on Earth.
ZWO AM3 Compatibility
Like the AM5, the ZWO AM3 is also designed to work seamlessly with the ZWO ASIAIR smart astrophotography controller. For those that don't own the ASIAIR, ZWO also makes an iOS and Android compatible ASI Mount app. The ASI Mount app lets you wirelessly control to the AM3 or AM5 and download firmware updates from your smartphone or tablet.
A fully loaded ZWO AM3 mount with telescope, camera, and more accessories
The AM3 mount also features a dual saddle, meaning it can carry both a Vixen (V-style) or Losmandy (D-style) dovetail — both of the industry standard mounting options for all sizes of telescopes.
ZWO AM3 Hand Controller and Wireless Operation
The included rocker-style hand controller for the ZWO AM3
The ZWO AM3 includes a rocker-style hand controller that allows you to point the mount in any direction. The hand controller lets you switch between equatorial and altazimuth modes, which can also be done via the ASI Mount app.
Additional Perks of Strain Wave Drive Mounts
Another plus of the strain wave drive design is that balancing the telescope rig on top is no longer required. Just mount it, polar align, and you're good to go. There are no clutches to fiddle with or remember to lock or unlock either, saving you time setting up and tearing down.
Last but not least, strain wave drive mounts like the AM3 do not suffer from backlash. Backlash is a common issue in traditional worm drive equatorial mounts and can affect tracking performance. Strain wave drive mounts do see some periodic error, but ZWO guarantees that this is kept to less than ±20 arcseconds, which is not enough to affect most imaging. Each AM3 and AM5 mount come with an inspection certificate showing the periodic error, which is carefully inspected at ZWO's factory.
Power & USB Ports on the ZWO AM3
The ZWO AM3 features a handful of ports for connecting various accessories. Included ports and indicators are:
- DC 12v power supply port
- Autoguiding port for connecting a guide camera
- A port for connecting the hand controller
- A USB 2.0 port for connecting to a smart controller like the ASIAIR
- A status indicator light (Red = EQ mode, Green = Alt-Az mode)
ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod
The included ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod is a perfect match for the AM5. Sporting a light weight of just 5 lbs (2.3 kg), the tripod can carry loads up to 110 lbs (50 kg) so you can feel safe about your gear being secure while still having a portable setup. More specifications can be found on the ZWO TC40 product page.
ZWO AM3 Power Supply and Accessories
The ZWO AM3 requires a 12v/5a DC power supply that is sold separately.
Other accessories available include the BC230 counterweight bar, which is designed for use with both the AM3 and AM5. Compatible counterweights can be found in the Related Products & Accessories section on that page.
Lastly, there are two pier extensions available for the AM3 and AM5, both of which are ideal for astrophotographers using longer telescope tubes like large refractors:
ZWO AM3 Specifications List
- Mount type: Equatorial mount
- Mount mode: Equatorial mode/Altazimuth mode
- Drive type: Strain wave gear + synchronous belt (300:1 reduction ratio)
- Payload Capacity without Counterweight: 17.5lbs (8kg)
- Payload Capacity with Counterweight: 28.5lbs (13kg)
- Mount Head weight: 8.5lbs (3.9kg)
- Latitude adjustment range: (0º - 90º)
- Azimuth angle adjustment range: ±6º
- Periodic error: ±15 arcseconds
- Periodic error duration: 288 seconds
- Saddle type: Losmandy & Vixen (500g)
- Drive (RA): NEMA35 stepper motor (model number 14, reduction ratio 100:1) with brake
- Drive (Dec): NEMA35 stepper motor (model number 14)
- Interface thread of counterweight shaft: M12
- Stepper motor resolution: 0.17"
- Max slew speed: 6º per second
- Slew rates: 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 20x, 60x, 720x, 1440x
- Power port: DC 5.5x2.1mm (12v, 5a)
- Power consumption (standby): 12v / 0.5a
- Power consumption (tracking): 12v / 0.5a
- Power consumption (slewing/GoTo): 12v / 0.7a (1.3a Heavy load mode)
- Guide port: ST-4
- Communication interfaces: USB/WiFi/Bluetooth
- Zero position: Mechanical
- Operating temperature: -15ºC (5ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF)
- Power failure protection: Yes
- Mount base diameter: 122mm
| Manufacturer | ZWO |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Telescope Focal Length | 401 - 500mm |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- FF65 APO
- Vixen dovetail plate
- A set of 3-piece photographic adapters
- Manual
- AM3 Mount Head
- Soft Carry Case
- 2-meter USB 2.0 cable
- Periodic Error Test Report
- Quick Guide Brochure / Quick Start Guide
- Hand controller
- 2-meter hand controller cable
- M6 Allen Key
- M4 Allen Key
- Carbon fiber tripod
- Note: No hard case is included with the 65mm ZWO scope