ZWO FF110 APO Refractor w/ AM5N Astrophotography Bundle

A Complete 110mm Full-Frame Imaging System

This bundle is a complete, field-ready astrophotography solution built around four core components: the FF110-APO refractor, the AM5N harmonic mount, the TC40 carbon fiber tripod, and the PE200 pier extension. ZWO has created a system where each part is matched to the others, delivering a portable platform for capturing detailed, wide-field images on full-frame cameras without the complexity of traditional setups.

For the traveling astrophotographer, this package simplifies setup. The telescope's flat-field optics require no external correctors, the mount carries the load without counterweights, and the lightweight tripod ensures stability without bulk. It suits imagers who want strong optical performance and precise tracking in a system that can be easily transported to dark-sky locations and set up quickly.

A 33 lb. Capacity for a 14.9 lb. Telescope

The pairing of the FF110-APO telescope with the AM5N mount is deliberate, creating a system with a significant payload margin for stable, long-exposure imaging. The telescope, fully equipped with its handle, rings, and 300mm Vixen-style dovetail, weighs 14.9 lb. The AM5N mount supports up to 33 lb. without any counterweights.

This leaves over 18 lb. of additional capacity for your imaging train. You can add a large cooled camera, a filter wheel, an off-axis guider, and a guide camera without approaching the mount's operational limit. This headroom is critical for maintaining tracking accuracy, as it ensures the mount's motors are not strained, resulting in sharper stars and a higher percentage of usable sub-exposures.

110mm f/7 Quadruplet Optical Design

At the heart of the bundle is the FF110-APO's four-element, air-spaced apochromatic optical system. With a 110mm (4.33") aperture and a 766mm focal length, the f/7 design strikes a balance between light-gathering power and image scale. The quadruplet lens arrangement, which includes one Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass element, corrects for optical aberrations across the visual spectrum.

The ED element is key to minimizing chromatic aberration, virtually eliminating the false color halos around bright stars that can soften an image. This advanced optical design is what allows the telescope to produce sharp, high-contrast views and photographs, making it equally capable for detailed deep-sky imaging and immersive visual observation.

A Native 44mm Full-Frame Image Circle

The FF110-APO is engineered with a built-in field corrector, producing a natively flat 44mm image circle. This is large enough to fully illuminate full-frame (36x24mm) camera sensors, delivering sharp, point-like stars from the center of the frame to the corners without requiring a separate field flattener.

This integrated design greatly simplifies your imaging setup. There are no complex back-focus calculations or additional spacers to manage. Instead of a single fixed distance, the telescope offers a flexible focus range of 42mm to 73mm from the M48x0.75 thread. This allows you to attach your camera and accessories and begin imaging immediately, saving valuable time under clear skies.

3" Focuser and Imaging-Ready Mechanics

To handle heavy imaging loads, the FF110-APO is equipped with a rigid 3" dual-speed rack-and-pinion focuser. This design prevents sag and flexure, even with a large camera and filter wheel attached. The focuser provides 31mm of travel, and a 1:10 fine adjustment knob allows for the precise, minute movements needed to achieve critical focus.

The telescope's mechanical design is focused on practicality for astrophotography.

• 360° Rotator: The entire focuser assembly rotates, allowing you to frame your target without removing the camera.
• Mounting Hardware: The OTA comes with CNC-machined mounting rings, a carrying handle, and a 300mm Vixen-style dovetail plate.
• Finder Bases: Two findershoes are mounted on the focuser body, providing flexible attachment points for a guide scope and finder.
• Retractable Dew Shield: Helps prevent moisture from forming on the objective and blocks stray light, improving image contrast.

33 lb. Capacity from a 12.1 lb. Harmonic Mount Head

The ZWO AM5N mount uses a strain-wave gear and synchronous belt drive system, a technology that delivers high torque from a very compact and lightweight mechanism. The mount head itself weighs only 12.1 lb. but can carry an imaging rig up to 33 lb. without counterweights. For heavier setups, capacity can be increased to 44.09 lb. with an optional counterweight.

Each mount is factory-tested to ensure a native periodic error of less than ±10 arcseconds over its 288-second cycle, and an individual performance sheet is included. With a 300:1 reduction ratio and a stepper motor resolution of 0.17 arcseconds, the mount makes precise guiding corrections. When moving between targets, it slews at up to 6° per second, minimizing downtime during an imaging session.

Dual-Mode Control from 0° to 90° Latitude

The AM5N is engineered for use anywhere on Earth, with a mechanical latitude range of 0° to 90°. It operates in both Equatorial (EQ) mode for long-exposure astrophotography and Alt-Azimuth (Alt-Az) mode for simple visual observing. Switching between modes is done via the hand controller at startup.

You have multiple options for controlling the mount in the field.

• Hand Controller: Provides direct, physical control for slewing and GoTo functions without needing another device.
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: Connect wirelessly with a smartphone or tablet running ZWO's ASIAIR or SkyAtlas apps for a completely computer-free setup.
• USB & ASCOM/INDI: A direct wired connection to a PC allows control via standard drivers, making it compatible with popular software like NINA, SGP, and MaxIm DL.
• ST-4 Port: A standard autoguide port allows direct connection of a guide camera for high-precision tracking.

A 5.07 lb. Tripod with 200mm of Safe Clearance

The foundation of this bundle is the ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod and PE200 pier extension. The TC40 tripod weighs 5.07 lb. but supports a 110.23 lb. load, providing a rigid, vibration-dampening base that is easy to transport. Its height adjusts from 18.5" to 31.49", allowing you to achieve a low center of gravity for maximum stability.

The included PE200 pier extension fits between the tripod and the AM5N mount head, adding exactly 200mm of vertical height. This clearance is essential for preventing the FF110-APO and its attached camera from colliding with the tripod legs when pointing near the zenith or performing an automated meridian flip. The pier is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum to provide this space without introducing flexure.

12V 3A Operation with Power-Off Protection

The AM5N mount operates on a standard 12V DC power supply and requires a source capable of delivering at least 3A to ensure stable performance, especially during high-speed slews. If the input voltage drops below 10.8V, the mount will emit an audible alarm to warn of a potential power issue.

A critical safety feature is the mount's power-off protection. In the event of an accidental power loss, a mechanical brake on the Right Ascension axis engages automatically. This prevents the telescope from swinging freely, protecting your optical tube and expensive camera from impact damage.

Imaging and Visual Use with the FF110 & AM5N

This bundle is optimized for astrophotography. The 766mm focal length and 110mm aperture are an excellent match for a wide range of deep-sky targets, from the core of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) to smaller planetary nebulae. The native flat-field optics mean you can connect your full-frame or APS-C camera directly to the M48 or M54 threads and start imaging with sharp stars across the field.

While designed for imaging, the system is also a superb visual instrument. By adding a 2" diagonal and eyepieces (sold separately), the apochromatic optics provide high-contrast, color-pure views of the Moon, planets, and bright deep-sky objects. The AM5N's Alt-Az mode simplifies setup for quick visual sessions, making it a versatile platform for any observing goal.

First Night Setup: From Box to Sky

Setting up the bundle is straightforward. Start by extending the TC40 tripod legs and leveling the tripod head. Attach the PE200 pier extension, followed by the AM5N mount head. Set the mount's latitude adjustment to your local latitude. Mount the FF110-APO onto the AM5N's dual saddle using its 300mm Vixen-style dovetail.

Because the AM5N is a harmonic drive mount, precise balancing is not required for payloads up to 33 lb. Attach your camera, guide scope, and any other accessories. Power on the mount and perform a software-assisted polar alignment using your camera and a program like the ASIAIR app. Once aligned, you can begin slewing to targets and focusing your main camera to start your imaging session.

ZWO FF110-APO vs. FF90-APO: Image Scale vs. Portability

The primary decision between the FF110-APO and its 90mm sibling involves a trade-off between image scale, light-gathering power, and portability. Both refractors share the same quadruplet flat-field optical design, but their different specifications make them better suited for different applications.

• ZWO FF90-APO Advantage: At a lower weight and with a shorter 609mm focal length, the FF90-APO is more portable and compatible with lighter mounts. Its wider field of view suits capturing immense targets like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) or the Veil Nebula complex in a single frame.
• ZWO FF110-APO Advantage: The 766mm focal length provides a tighter image scale, allowing you to resolve finer details in smaller galaxies, galaxy clusters, and planetary nebulae with the same camera. The larger 110mm aperture gathers more light and offers higher theoretical resolution, pulling in fainter details in a given exposure time.