ZWO FF80 Telescope, AM5 & ASIAIR Plus: 6-Month Review & Step-by-Step Setup Tutorial!

In this 6-month review of the ZWO FF80 Telescope, AM5, and ASIAIR Plus, I provide a step-by-step guide to setting up the entire astrophotography rig. I’ll also show you how to wirelessly connect and control the rig with the ASIAIR Plus, using your smartphone or tablet via WiFi. I test this setup by capturing stunning images of the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Pleiades (M45) with the ASI2600MC Pro, evaluating the sharpness and roundness of the stars. Is this the perfect astrophotography setup for your backyard? Watch to find out. I wish you clear skies!

The ZWO FF80 quadruplet telescope is available at:

The ASI2600MC Pro Camera is available at:

The ASIAIR Plus 256GB is available at:

The AM5(N) Telescope Mount is available at:

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0:00 Intro
0:28 Gear Overview: AM5, FF80, ASI2600MC
3:09 Setup & ASIAIR Plus Connection
6:10 ASIAIR Plus: Focusing, Polar Alignment & Imaging
12:42 Results: Andromeda & Pleiades
13:49 Star Sharpness & Roundness Test
15:37 Final Verdict: FF80 & Astrophotography Rig

[jrs]

Alot of people dislike ZWO for the walled garden of the ASIAir, but they're the only company who actually offer a allmost complete solution for astrophotography - lacking only a rotator. With the recently released 2600MC/MM Air you can build an even cleaner and smaller setup and I wish I had the $€10k funds for that.

[TiagoRamos]

Thank you for your sharing.
I have the old Air Pro and an Air Mini, and I also work with the Nina. For the years I've been following you, I think you should already have a ZWO EAF, and save some Euros for the future ZWO CAA, but that's my opinion.
We have shared astrophotography experience at the same time.
You in the Netherlands and me in Portugal.
And in relation to its setup, it's perfect for what it meant in terms of combining life as an astrophotographer, family life and professional life 🙂.

Hug from Algarve Portugal

[simbyair]

Thank you ive been thinking of looking into this but never understood it all. Great explanation and lovely looking set up.

[crm.]

Nice overview, thanks. I nearly went for the ZWO AM5 myself but I wanted a mount that could handle my Edge11 rig which is a bit over 18 kg. I’ve just got the Warp Astron WD20 which so far is proving to be very impressive.

[swagonman]

Great video. I’m considering the FF80 for a future purchase. I have AM5, ASI2600MC Air, and only the FMA180 Pro tiny scope, with ZWO’s EAF. It’s 180mm focal length. Next I want twice that with WO RedCat 71. Then eventually, something like the FF80. Or I might go a little longer if I find a scope that has tight spot diagrams into the APS corners, good build quality, and reasonable price.

[KevinRudd-ws]

Nice looking rig Wido. I'm currently building up something similar around a WO GT81, I've gone with the ASI5333MM pro cooled mono camera and I decided on a Sky Watcher Wave 100i mount. For control I'm using the ASIair mini, half the price of the plus here in the UK but it does everything I need it to. I have been using this set up with a Red Cat 51 instead of the GT81 and an ASI585MC Pro cooled OSC camera All through the summer and that worked really well. I notice you don't seem to be using an EAF, is there any reason, I really like using them because I can use the auto focus function or adjust the focus from the app without touching the rig.
Love the Andromeda Galaxy image. The Pleiades was pretty awesome too. Clear Skies.

[Daniel_DP]

A Video about the 2600 MC Duo would be nice!
I think in near future Sequence Generator brings his Update of Version 4.5, at time you could test it as Beta-Version!

[dalesimonds]

I just got my FF80 this morning, but I had to add 50mm of spacers to get it to focus. I’m using a asi183mc camera. I didn’t think I’d need any spacers. I still can’t get the camera to work except in video mode

[daniel]

I’ve wanted to get into astrophotography but seeing how immensely complicated the whole equipment setup and process is, I think I’ll look for another hobby.

[paskoh]

I was wondering why you chose not use an UV/IR cut filter for the galaxy. Do you think it can impact the quality a bit? Or what about a broad band filter like an L-Pro. I am in about bortal 7 hence why I ask. Thank you

[flappah]

This is exactly the scope I'm planning to buy later in November. I'm already using an ASIAIR plus and AM5 mount currently with my Nikon D780 so that's already taken care of. I'm only still in doubt between buying the 585MC-pro or 533MC-pro camera. Unfortunately the 2600MC-pro is currently out of budget for me so it's either a 533MC pro or 585MC pro for me. I'm still not sure though which one. Any suggestions?

[alexandrelafage]

Hi, did you have problem whitout tripod extension, like the camera touch the tripod at the zenith?

[swagonman]

If you lift the whole rig during polar alignment, you need to send the point back to home position and restart the polar alignment over. Otherwise, your PA is off and guiding won’t be as good.

[lac]

Is this setup good for planets as well?

[GerbenBijhold]

Zou je ook eens fotos van de maan willen publiceren met deze set?

[legacysearches]

Glad this is not about the new smart scopes. I’m into this type of astro. I already have enough gear but I still like to learn about the new stuff other than the smart scope stuff. That’s just not for me.

[mikehardy]

I don't lift the entire tripod. Rather slightly losten the plate to tripod colar "thumb" screw, and rotate it CAREFULLY.