William Optics UltraCat 76 + ZWO AM5N Traveler Imaging Kit

A full-frame-ready astrograph, a smart camera and a counterweight-free mount, matched from the start

The William Optics UltraCat 76 + ZWO AM5N Traveler Imaging Kit is a complete deep-sky astrophotography setup: a 76mm f/4.8 Petzval astrograph, the ZWO ASI2600MC Air color smart camera with built-in ASIAIR and guider, the AM5N strain wave GoTo mount with the TC40 carbon fiber tripod and PE200 pier extension, and ZWO's 12V 5A AC power adapter. Together the camera and telescope frame 3.7° × 2.5° of sky, wide enough for the largest nebulae and the whole Andromeda Galaxy. Everything weighs about 15.2kg (33.4lb), light enough to pack in a car for a dark-sky trip.

Key specs: UltraCat 76: 76mm aperture, 365mm focal length, f/4.8, 5-element Petzval, 50mm image circle · ASI2600MC Air: 26MP APS-C IMX571, cooled, built-in guide sensor and ASIAIR, 256GB storage · 3.69° × 2.46° field at 2.12″/pixel · AM5N: 15kg (33lb) payload without counterweight, ±10″ periodic error · TC40 tripod and 200mm pier extension included

The UltraCat 76 AM5N kit is on display in our Denver store, so you can see it in person before you buy.

What you can image

• Large nebulae: the North America and Pelican Nebulae in one frame, the Heart Nebula, the California Nebula, the Rosette Nebula and most of the Veil complex.
• Big galaxies: the Andromeda Galaxy with M32 and M110, the Triangulum Galaxy, and the M81 and M82 pair.
• Winter favorites: the Orion Nebula with the Running Man, the Horsehead and Flame Nebulae together, and the Pleiades with their surrounding dust.
• Comets: the wide, flat field leaves room for long comet tails.

With the ASI2600MC Air, the UltraCat 76 gives a 3.69° × 2.46° field at 2.12 arcseconds per pixel, a forgiving scale that is easy to guide.

How it works

Mount and tripod: open the TC40, set the PE200 pier extension on it, and set the AM5N on top. There's no counterweight to add and nothing to balance. The pier extension raises the mount 200mm so the camera clears the tripod legs when the telescope points high.

Telescope and camera: the UltraCat 76's dual-sided plate fits the AM5N's saddle. The ASI2600MC Air threads onto the telescope's M54 camera adapter, and its included spacers set the standard 55mm sensor spacing. The WIFD focuser moves the optics inside the tube, so the camera never hangs off a drawtube, and the tilt adjuster and rotator let you square and frame the sensor.

Power and control: plug the 12V supply into the camera and run the included DC cable from the camera to the mount. The Air connects to the AM5N over USB or Bluetooth, and you run polar alignment, GoTo, focusing, guiding and imaging from the ASIAIR app on your phone or tablet over dual-band Wi-Fi. Images save to the camera's 256GB of built-in storage.

Using it in Colorado: the AM5N works down to -20°C (-4°F), and ZWO's high-load mode in the app helps the mount in cold weather. Dark sites a couple of hours from Denver rarely have an outlet, so plan on a 12V power tank there.

What to add for the best results

• Field power: a 12V power tank such as the Celestron PowerTank Lithium Pro runs the camera and mount away from an outlet.
• Autofocus: a ZWO EAFN or EAF Pro plugs into the Air's USB hub, with the K-Astec EAF bracket with clutch made for WIFD focusers. It keeps stars sharp as the temperature drops.
• Light-pollution filter: a 2" ZWO Duo-Band or Optolong L-eXtreme filter in a ZWO M54 2" filter drawer for nebulae from city and suburban skies. The drawer takes the place of part of the spacer stack, and we can help you set it up.
• TC40 tripod case: a padded bag for carrying the tripod.

Which Traveler kit is right for you?

Read more about each piece on the William Optics UltraCat 76, ZWO ASI2600MC Air, ZWO AM5N with TC40 tripod and ZWO PE200 pages, or see all astro imaging kits.

What's in the box

• William Optics UltraCat 76 WIFD with tilt adjuster and rotator, Bahtinov mask cap, M48 and M54 camera adapters with wrench, dual-sided dovetail plate, mounting ring and handle bar, riser blocks, soft carry case and Allen key set
• ZWO ASI2600MC Air with antenna, 1.5m DC extension cable, two 1m power cords, two 0.5m USB 2.0 cables, 16.5mm M54 adapter, 21mm M54 extender, M54 to M48 ring, cable strap, hex wrench and quick guide
• ZWO AM5N mount head with hand controller and cables
• ZWO TC40 carbon fiber tripod
• ZWO PE200 pier extension
• ZWO 12V 5A AC to DC adapter (US plug, 60W)

Filters, an electronic focuser, a counterweight and field power are sold separately.

UltraCat 76 AM5N Traveler Kit FAQ

Is this a good first astrophotography setup?

Yes, if you're ready to learn a real imaging setup. There's no flattener spacing to calculate, no mount to balance and no separate guide scope, and the ASIAIR app walks you through polar alignment, focusing and guiding. If you want push-button results with no setup, a smart telescope is the better choice.

Do I need a guide scope or a computer?

No. The ASI2600MC Air has a guide sensor beside the main sensor and the ASIAIR controller built in, so you guide through the main telescope and control everything from your phone or tablet.

Can I see one before I buy?

Yes. The UltraCat 76 AM5N kit is on display in our Denver store, and we're happy to set it up and show you how it works.

UltraCat 76 + AM5N or UltraCat 76 + AM3N?

Both use the same telescope and camera. The AM5N carries 15kg (33lb) without a counterweight, so it has room for heavier gear and future telescopes. The AM3N kit is about 2kg lighter and costs less, and still carries this telescope and camera comfortably.

UltraCat 76 or Cat 91?

The UltraCat 76 frames 3.7° × 2.5° for the biggest nebulae and is lighter. The Cat 91 kit has more aperture and a 448mm focal length, a 3.0° × 2.0° field that suits galaxies and smaller nebulae better.

Can I use it for visual observing?

No. William Optics designed the UltraCat 76 for cameras only and doesn't support visual observing with it.

What power does it need?

The included ZWO 12V 5A adapter runs the camera, and the camera passes 12V to the mount. Away from an outlet, use a 12V power tank.

Specifications