ZWO FF70 APO Refractor with AM3N Bundle
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FF70 APO Refractor
The ZWO FF70 APO Refractor is a lightweight and compact refractor telescope designed for visual observation and astrophotography.
*Focus can be achieved within a back focus range of 32.5–82.5 mm, measured from the M54–M48 interface shoulder.
Main Features of the telescope
Flexible Connectivity for Multiple Configurations
Uniqueness
1. Lightweight & Compact
This model features a 70 mm aperture and 490 mm focal length (f/7.0). It offers an excellent balance between portability and performance.
The optical tube weighs just 2.5 kg. Total system weight is 3 kg including the mounting rings and dovetail plate.
2. Four-Element Optical Design
The unit features a four-element, air-spaced design. All elements work together to deliver a flat imaging field without a field flattener.
One ED (extra-low dispersion) element reduces chromatic aberration. This results in superior color correction and impressive image clarity.
3. 44 mm Image Circle — Full-Frame Support
With a 44 mm image circle, the unit fully supports full-frame sensors and advanced imaging setups.
It delivers sharp star fields across the frame. This ensures professional edge-to-edge performance to meet astrophotography demands.
4. Native Flat-Field Design
The native flat-field optical design removes the need for leveling mirrors. This streamlines the setup for any astrophotography enthusiast.
No complex back focus calculations are required. Simply attach your camera and start capturing once focus is achieved.
Convenient Design
5. Coarse & fine focus adjustment
Equipped with a 2.4-inch rack-and-pinion focuser, it offers precise control using a 1:10 coarse and fine focus mechanism.
A built-in 360° rotator at the rear allows for smooth camera angle adjustments. It pairs perfectly with an asiair pro for remote control.
6. Retractable Dew Shield
The optical tube features a retractable dew shield. This reduces storage length and protects the optics from moisture.
CNC machining and internal anti-reflection coatings minimize stray light. This ensures high contrast during deep-sky sessions.
7. Quick-Release Mounting Rings
The mounting rings are fully detachable. This allows for a quick and easy setup or teardown of your telescope system.
8. Photography Extension Tube
A photography extension tube is included. It features a 2-inch filter thread and rear adapters in M48×0.75 and M54×0.75 standards.
This versatility allows for seamless integration with a wide variety of professional imaging accessories and cameras.
Performance
Optical Layout
Star Field Map
Product Diagram
AM3N Mount
Please Note : Power cable not included: ZWO-DC12V5A-US
Why AM3N ?
AM3N vs AM3
Engineered for simplicity: two cables deliver a clean, efficient setup that gets you imaging faster than ever.
Strain Wave Gears for Precision Control
Astrophotography demands both stability and accuracy, and the adoption of a custom-engineered strain wave gear system addresses these needs directly. The gear train is designed to minimize periodic error, provide exceptionally smooth motion, and deliver high torque capacity—factors critical for long-exposure imaging.
Within the mount, a strain wave gear reducer works in concert with a synchronous belt drive, yielding precise control and a notable 300:1 reduction ratio. Each unit undergoes individual testing, and a periodic error (PE) curve report is supplied with every mount, offering users verified performance data for confidence in the field.
ZWO Quality Control
ZWO measures each mount and equips it with an exclusive PE curve before it leaves our factory.
The X-axis represents the drive angle, and the Y-axis shows the periodic error, which is consistently maintained within ±15 arcseconds.
Integrated Type-C and DC Power Ports
The upgraded AM3N weighs just 4.1 kg (9.04 lbs), with a newly optimized design for improved portability and cable management. The dovetail saddle now integrates Type-C and 12V DC ports to minimize clutter, while a magnetic hex key attaches directly to the mount for convenient storage.
Powerful Payload Capacity: 8 –13 kg
The mount supports up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) without counterweights—double its own weight—and up to 13 kg (28.7 lbs) with counterweights, more than triple its weight.
This payload capacity easily accommodates a wide range of telescopes, providing a stable and reliable foundation for your viewing and imaging needs.
It is recommended to use a counterweight of ≤5 kg. When using a 5 kg counterweight, the lever arm should be installed within the range of 20 cm to 30 cm.
For counterweights of other masses, the installation position can be calculated as follows:
Assume the counterweight mass is m kg. The allowable lever arm length L is defined by:
10 N·m ≤ m × g × L ≤ 15 N·m
where g = 9.8 m/s², which can be approximated as 10 m/s².
For example, if a 2 kg counterweight is used, the allowable range of L is from
10 N·m / (2 × 10 m/s²) = 0.5 m to
15 N·m / (2 × 10 m/s²) = 0.75 m.
Equatorial Mode / Alt-azimuth Mode
Can be switched via SkyAtlas App or Hand Controller.
Status Light Indicator
All-round 0°-90° Altitude Scale
The AM3N features a versatile altitude adjustment design ranging from 0° to 90°, allowing for unrestricted use across both low-and high-latitude regions.
Gear 1: Rotate the altitude tension knob for adjustment between 0 and 60.
Gear 2: Loosen the M6 hex screw, and allows adjustment from 30 and 90.
Evolved Portable Control Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connectivity
The AM3N supports Bluetooth control, enabling direct smartphone control — no Hand Controller required. Wi-Fi functionality is available through the hand controller, which contains the WiFi transmitter. Ideal for travel and field use, just bring your phone and you're ready to observe or image.
Wireless Control via Mobile Apps
Operate the mount directly from your phone with an intuitive app featuring an on-screen joystick, Tonight’s Target, GOTO, Live Preview, and more.
The mount is compatible with ASCOM, INDI, ASIAIR, and other platforms.
Seamless ASIAIR Integration
Experience astrophotography at its best with the ZWO Ecosystem—where every component works together in perfect harmony.
Technical Specifications
FF70 APO Refractor
AM3N Mount
| Item |
Specification |
| Mount Type |
Harmonic Drive Mount |
| Mount Mode |
Equatorial / Altazimuth |
| Drive |
Strain Wave Gear + Synchronous Belt (300:1 reduction ratio) |
| Periodic Error |
≤ ±15″ |
| PE Duration |
288 s |
| Payload Capacity |
8 kg (17.64 lbs) without counterweight13 kg (28.66 lbs) with counterweight |
| Mount Weight |
4.1 kg (9.04 lbs) |
| Altitude Adjustment Range |
0°–90° |
| Azimuth Adjustment Range |
±6° |
| Dovetail Saddle |
Losmandy & Vixen |
In the Box
Refractor
- FF70 APO Telescope
- Photography Extension Tube
- User Manual
- Inspection Sheet
- Warranty Card
Mount
- Carrying Case
- AM3N Mount
- 2m USB2.0 cable (Type-B to Type-A)
- 1-meter USB 2.0 Cable (Type-C to Type-A)
- Performance Sheet (Periodic error test report)
- Quick Start Guide
- Hand Controller
- 2m Hand Controller Cable
- M6 Allen key
Tripod
Pier
Manuals & Warranty
ZWO 2-Years Warranty
