If you're into astrophotography (or just the latest astronomy technology), the ZWO AM5N is a telescope mount worth checking out. It’s a harmonic drive equatorial mount, which basically means it offers super smooth and precise tracking with a non-traditional set of gears inside, it's using something completely different. One of the biggest selling points of the AM5N is its portability alongside it's payload. The "juice for the squeese" is pretty high. The mount itself weighs only 12.1 lbs, so it’s easy to carry around for backyard or remote observations. But don’t let its lightweight design fool you—this thing can support up to 33 lbs of telescope gear without counterweights and up to 44 lbs with them. That’s more than enough to hold most amateur and even some professional telescope setups.
When shooting deep-space objects, tracking accuracy is everything. The AM5N uses a strain wave gear system with a synchronous belt, which means it can track the sky with minimal mechanical errors. Its periodic error stays under ±10 arcseconds over 432 seconds, which is a fancy way of saying it keeps your telescope locked onto a target with high precision—perfect for long-exposure photography.
This mount isn’t just for astrophotography—it works great for visual observation too. The AM5N can switch between equatorial and altazimuth modes, so whether you’re taking pictures of distant galaxies or just scanning the night sky with a telescope, you’re covered. Plus, it has a latitude adjustment range from 0-90°, meaning it can be used almost anywhere on Earth.
The AM5N comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to control it wirelessly using ZWO’s StarGazing app. If you prefer a wired setup, there’s also a USB port for direct PC connection. It works seamlessly with the ZWO ASIAIR Plus, which helps manage your cameras, auto-guiding, and other astrophotography gear all in one place.
Nothing’s worse than losing power in the middle of an observation session, especially when you have expensive equipment attached. The AM5N has power failure protection, meaning if the power cuts out, your telescope won’t suddenly drop or shift, helping prevent damage.
The mount itself is lightweight at just 12.1 lbs, but it can handle up to 33 lbs with counterweights.
It has a latitude adjustment range of 0° to 90°, so it works from nearly any location. The dovetail saddle supports both Losmandy and Vixen-style plates, making it compatible with a variety of telescopes. It also has a mechanical zero position, a power-off brake on the RA axis, and built-in cable management to keep things tidy.
For fine-tuning movement, it offers slew speeds ranging from 0.5x to 1440x, covering everything from slow tracking to fast repositioning. It connects via USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, and has an ST4 auto-guide port for precise guiding during astrophotography. Power-wise, it runs on 12V (3A) DC input, and can operate in temperatures from -20°C to 40°C, so it’s built to handle different environments.
Setting up the ZWO AM5N is quick and straightforward, no matter your experience level. The instructions are clear, and the controls are simple, so you won’t be stuck figuring things out for hours. The mount handles a lot of the hard work on its own—it automatically tracks, aligns, and calibrates, meaning you don’t have to constantly tweak settings. Just get your telescope balanced, turn it on, and start observing or taking photos.
If you like to control things from a distance, the AM5N makes that easy too. It works with different remote control software, so you can adjust settings and capture images from your computer, tablet, or phone. This is great if you want to stay inside on a cold night or even run the mount while doing something else.
The AM5N uses a high-precision motor to keep your telescope locked onto your target. If you're taking long-exposure photos, the last thing you want is for your mount to drift or shake. The AM5N tracks smoothly, so you don’t have to constantly make adjustments to keep your subject in the frame.
It also has different tracking modes, meaning it can follow a variety of objects, whether you're looking at planets, galaxies, or the Moon. The controls are easy to use, and it connects to a bunch of different devices and software, so you can use it with other astrophotography gear without hassle.
The AM5N uses a strain wave gear system, which helps eliminate backlash and keeps tracking smooth. This means your telescope stays locked onto its target without little jumps or shifts, which is especially important for long-exposure astrophotography. Unlike traditional mounts with bulky gear systems, this harmonic drive setup keeps the AM5N compact and lightweight without sacrificing stability.
One big plus is that it runs quietly, so you won’t hear a loud motor buzzing while you're observing or imaging. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can control it wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or computer. The power management system helps keep things stable during long sessions, preventing unexpected shutdowns or voltage drops that could mess up your imaging run.
The ZWO AM5N does what it’s supposed to do: track the night sky accurately without a complicated setup. It handles up to 33 lbs without counterweights and 44 lbs with them, which covers most telescope setups. At 12.1 lbs, it’s light enough to carry around, but still strong enough to hold steady during long exposure shots.
The harmonic drive system keeps tracking smooth, and the periodic error stays under ±10 arcseconds over 432 seconds, which is good enough for deep-sky astrophotography. It runs in both equatorial and altazimuth modes, so whether you’re imaging galaxies or just scanning the sky, it can do both. The automatic tracking, alignment, and calibration help cut down on setup time.
It also connects easily. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB allow remote operation through the ZWO StarGazing app or direct control from a PC. It works well with ZWO ASIAIR Plus, so if you’re already using ZWO cameras and accessories, it fits right into the setup.
With a 0-90° latitude range, it can be used almost anywhere, and the power failure protection keeps your gear safe if something goes wrong.
Bottom line: The AM5N is a solid, no-fuss mount for both imaging and visual observing. It’s easy to carry, holds a decent amount of weight, and tracks well enough for long-exposure astrophotography. If you need a mount that just works without a ton of adjustments, this one does the job.
Sarah Mathews’ final take on the AM5N highlights its improvements over the original model and its strengths compared to other mounts on the market. She sees it as a well-balanced option for astrophotographers who want a portable, high-capacity mount that is easy to set up and use. The improved tracking accuracy, reduced periodic error, and ability to handle larger payloads without a counterweight all contribute to a smoother workflow, making it easier to transport and operate in different locations.
One of the standout features she points out is the strain wave gear system, which provides strong torque and precise movement while keeping the mount lightweight. Unlike traditional worm gear mounts, the AM5N does not require precise balancing, which speeds up the setup process. It supports up to 33 pounds without a counterweight and up to 44 pounds with one, making it flexible enough to accommodate different telescope setups.
She also appreciates the redesigned base, which improves polar alignment by repositioning the altitude scale and replacing azimuth locks with spring tensioners. While there is no built-in polar scope, alternative alignment methods like the QHY PoleMaster or software solutions such as ASIAIR or NINA provide an easy workaround. These updates make alignment more straightforward and fit well into modern astrophotography workflows.
Another highlight is the mount’s dual functionality, allowing it to operate in both equatorial and alt-azimuth modes. This makes it useful for both deep-sky imaging and visual observation. The ability to switch between modes with the hand controller, which includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, gives users multiple ways to control the mount, whether through the SkyAtlas mobile app, ASIAIR, or other software.
She also emphasizes the improved cable management system, which reduces clutter and minimizes the risk of snags. The internal wiring is designed for full 360-degree movement, and the power port has been relocated to the dovetail saddle for better organization. While the mount has modest power requirements, it does not include a built-in battery, so an external power source is necessary.
In terms of tracking and guiding performance, she notes that the AM5N has significantly lower periodic error than its predecessor, which results in more accurate tracking. While auto-guiding is recommended for long exposures, her tests show that the mount delivers smooth and precise tracking across different telescope configurations. Even without guiding, it can achieve two-minute exposures with a wide-field setup, making it a practical choice for those new to astrophotography.
She compares the AM5N to other strain wave mounts and finds that while some competing models offer higher payload capacities, they also come at a higher price. The AM5N remains competitive by delivering many of the same features at a lower cost, making it a strong option for those looking for a balance between performance and affordability.
Her overall conclusion is that the AM5N is a reliable, user-friendly mount that allows astrophotographers to spend more time capturing images and less time troubleshooting equipment. Its consistency, ease of use, and thoughtful design updates make it a compelling choice. For those looking to upgrade from a star tracker or invest in a portable equatorial mount, she sees the AM5N as a strong contender worth considering.
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