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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod

ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Tripod

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-TC40
$299.00 - $299.00
$299.00
$299.00 - $299.00
$299.00
Price Match Policy!
  • Supports an exceptional 110.23 lb. payload
  • Weighs only 5.07 lb. for extreme portability
  • Carbon fiber legs with 1.5" max diameter for rigidity
  • Adjustable height range from 18.5" to 31.49"
  • Optimized for ZWO AM3 and AM5 mounts
2 in stock
Qualifies for FREE Shipping in CONUS on orders over $350.
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Pipe Tripod

    The ZWO TC40 Carbon Fiber Pipe Tripod redefines portable stability, supporting a massive 110.23 lb. instrument load from a frame that weighs a mere 5.07 lb. Its carbon fiber legs, with a maximum diameter of 1.5", provide a rigid, vibration-dampening foundation that adjusts from a low-slung 18.5" to a maximum height of 31.49" to suit your observing site.

    Engineered for a 110.23 lb. Capacity at 5.07 lb.

    The core of the TC40's design is its material science. Carbon fiber's high stiffness-to-weight ratio allows the tripod to weigh just 5.07 lb. while securely carrying a 110.23 lb. payload—a capacity that rivals tripods weighing three or four times as much. This makes it the definitive choice for creating a grab-and-go rig with a ZWO AM3 or AM5 mount without compromising the stability needed for sharp, untrailed images.

    Adjustable 18.5" to 31.49" Height for Any Terrain

    The two-section legs allow you to precisely level your mount on uneven ground. Collapsing the tripod to its minimum 18.5" height lowers your setup's center of gravity, increasing wind resistance and stability for critical imaging. The maximum height of 31.49" is a deliberate trade-off for portability, keeping the entire package compact enough for easy transport to remote dark-sky sites.

    ZWO TC40 vs. Standard Steel Tripods

    When choosing a tripod, the main alternative to carbon fiber is steel. While a heavy steel tripod can offer excellent vibration damping, it comes with a significant weight penalty that contradicts the purpose of a portable mount like the ZWO AM5.

    • Weight and Portability: The ZWO TC40, at 5.07 lb., is built for travel. A comparable steel tripod capable of holding over 100 lbs. can easily weigh 15-20 lbs., making it far more cumbersome to transport and set up.
    • Vibration Damping: Carbon fiber composite is inherently effective at damping high-frequency vibrations, which helps settle the image faster after focusing or in windy conditions.
    • Durability: Unlike painted steel, carbon fiber is corrosion-resistant, ensuring a longer lifespan when used in damp or humid environments.

    Stable Footing with Included Spikes and Weight Bag

    ZWO includes accessories to maximize stability in the field. For soft ground like grass or dirt, you can swap the standard rubber feet for the included metal spikes to anchor the tripod firmly. The center weight bag can be filled with rocks or a power tank to add mass and further lower the center of gravity, locking your imaging platform to the ground.

  • How much real-world payload can the ZWO TC40 tripod support?

    The ZWO TC40 has a tested weight capacity of 110.23 lb. This is more than sufficient for a fully loaded ZWO AM5 or AM3 mount with a large refractor or SCT, plus all associated cameras, filter wheels, and guide scopes. Its stability comes from the rigid 1.5" diameter carbon fiber legs.

    Is the ZWO TC40 tall enough for a long refractor on an AM5 mount?

    With a maximum height of 31.49", the ZWO TC40 is designed for portability and stability, which favors a lower profile. While usable with many refractors, you may need to add a pier extension if your optical tube is very long to prevent it from colliding with the tripod legs when pointed near the zenith. Always measure your specific setup's clearance requirements.

    How does the ZWO TC40 attach to mounts other than a ZWO AM5?

    The ZWO TC40 uses a standard 3/8" connecting bolt, making it compatible with a wide range of mount heads from other manufacturers. The included head plate is specifically designed for the ZWO AM-series mounts, but the underlying connection is universal.

    How stable is the ZWO TC40 tripod on soft ground like grass?

    The ZWO TC40 is excellent on soft surfaces. It includes a set of metal spikes that replace the rubber feet. These spikes dig into the ground, providing a much more secure and vibration-resistant footing than standard feet alone would offer.

    What is the purpose of the included weight bag for the ZWO TC40?

    The weight bag hangs from the center of the ZWO TC40's leg spreader. You can fill it with a heavy object, such as your battery pack or nearby rocks, to add mass to the system. This increases stability by lowering the center of gravity and making the entire setup more resistant to wind and accidental bumps.

    Does the 5.07 lb. weight of the ZWO TC40 compromise stability for imaging?

    No. The stability of the ZWO TC40 comes from the stiffness of its 1.5" carbon fiber legs, not from sheer mass. Carbon fiber is exceptionally rigid and effective at damping vibrations. This allows the tripod to provide a solid imaging foundation while weighing only 5.07 lb., making it ideal for travel astrophotography where every pound matters.

  • SKU ZWO-TC40
    Leg Material Carbon Fiber
    Weight Capacity 110.23 lb.
    Tripod Weight 5.07 lb.
    Height Range 18.5" to 31.49"
    Max Leg Diameter 1.5"
    Warranty 2 Years

    • Carbon Fiber Tripod

      × 1

    • Tripod Head Plate

      × 1

    • Spikes

      × 1 Set

    • Weight Bag

      × 1

  • ZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty