ZWO AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount
US price: $1,999 mount $349 for the optional TC40 Carbon Fibre Tripod
What we like
Extremely portable No motor backlash
What we don't like
Large periodic error No power supply or cable included.
WALK AROUND ANY amateur gathering at night where astrophotographers are at work and you'll see lots of red, and I'm not just talking about red headlamps and computer screens. Imaging cameras and peripherals by Chinese manufacturer ZWO are very popular these days, and their red anodised finish defines the company's product lines.
With 11 years of success producing quality planetary and deep sky imaging cameras, ZWO recently expanded into the realm of focusers and minicomputers with integrated equipment control. So it's perfectly logical that its next step would be to expand its imaging offerings. The introduction of the AM5 Harmonic Equatorial Mount is that next step, and, yes, it sports a sleek red finish.
I tested the AM5 mount for several months using my own ZWO cameras and several of the company's other imaging devices.
A powerful block
The compact AM5 mount incorporates on both axes. These drives use high-torque
