The ZWO AM5 has been my #1 recommended mount since its release in 2022.  It really is the perfect blend of portability, ease of use, price, and features.  During the summer of 2024, ZWO released an updated variant - the AM5N.  This new version is very similar to the original, with a few noticeable changes, including:

• Increased payload capacity (without using counterweight)
• Reduced periodic error
• New carrying case
• Bluetooth capabilities
• Improved cable / input layout
• Removal of side-mounted dovetail plate
• Removal of bubble level

While none of these changes are ground-breaking, they do offer minor quality-of-life improvements.  The only exception being the removal of the bubble levels.

Carrying Case

Let's start off with the most noticeable change, the new carrying case.  I really liked the original AM5 case, it was compact and easy to bring along on roadtrips.  The new case is slightly larger and heavier, and looks like a hardened styrofoam.  Both cases should provide similar protection though.  The new case has clamps to unlock, rather than a zipper.  One thing that I like about the new case is the inclusion of a counterweight rod slot.  This allows me to keep the counterweight rod inside the case, without it rolling around my car.  All things considered, the new case is uglier, but the actual interior design is an improvement over the original.

 

AM5N Re-design

Now that we have the mount out of the case, let's see how it compares to the original.  The most noticeable change is the removal of the "ASIAir" dovetail plate on the side.  I liked being able to attach the ASIAir there, as it kept everything fairly organized.  However, ZWO did not like this at all.  They repeatedly warned me not to place the ASIAir in this slot.  I could understand why.  At certain orientations the cables could run into the bottom of the AM5 mount, potentially damaging the cables or the ASIAir itself.  There was also a chance that the cables could get snagged around the mount.  Since there is no dovetail plate included in the box, I asked ZWO where I should place the ASIAir?  They said "For the best results, we recommend first attaching the telescope and then placing the ASIAir on top of the telescope’s dovetail groove. This change was made to prevent it from getting stuck, as the side bracket was prone to that issue."

The 2600MC Duo has a built-in autoguider sensor, which frees up the guide scope bracket for the ASIAir.  This was the easiest mounting solution that I could find.  

If you need a way to attach the ASIAir, you could purchase a 3d printed guide scope bracket.  Alternatively, if you're looking for a new camera, consider the recently revealed ASI 2600MC Air.  This unique design takes the fantastic 2600MC Duo and adds an ASIAir inside of it.  I've been using the 2600 Air for the past few days and it has exceeded my expectations.  You can learn more about the camera in my YouTube video below:

  

Another important change is the AM5's power output.  This was originally on the side of the unit, but has been moved to the dovetail plate.  I thought this was an odd place at first, but after using the mount it became clear that this is a much better location.  The cables will never wrap around the AM5 in this orientation, which should make the Meridian Flip process significantly less stressful.  I was always worried that my camera would get destroyed during the Meridian Flip on the old AM5.  If you pair the AM5N with the 2600 Air, then you only need 3 cables for the entire setup.  (Assuming you don't have an EAF or dew heater.)

Say goodbye to cable clutter!  With the ASI 2600 Air and AM5N, only 3 cables are required.

One of the most annoying aspects of the original AM5 was the azimuth locking knobs.  They were always getting in the way during the polar alignment process.  This might seem like a small change, but the removal of these locking knobs has dramatically increased the user experience at night.  The default tension of AM5N's azimuth adjustment screws is perfect.  This allows for smooth, precise adjustments during the polar alignment step.

The altitude numbers have moved from the side of the base, to the front.  This is another minor adjustment, but a smart one.  You can see precisely what altitude adjustments you are making in real-time, whereas before you didn't really know until you looked over to the side.

The AM5N makes polar aligning easy!  Smooth, precise adjustment screws allow for fast polar alignments.  My only complaint is that the azimuth screws have a fairly limited range of ~6 degrees.  If your initial alignment was not great, then you may need to move the entire tripod during the polar alignment process.  Alternatively, you could loosen the screw on the tripod, then slowly rotate the AM5N in the necessary direction.

 

I do have one complaint about the AM5N redesign, and that is the removal of the bubble levels.  As you can imagine, these were quite helpful for the initial setup process, especially when shooting in the grass or dirt.  The AM5N no longer has any bubble levels, which doesn't make any sense to me.  I suppose I could buy a bubble level from Home Depot for a few bucks, but this should have been included with the mount.

That's pretty much all of the changes in the new N variant.  Most are just minor improvements over the original design.  Therefore, you won't be missing out on much if you stick with your original AM5.  With that said, I find myself loving the new power output and USB port locations on the AM5N.  This makes things much safer, and eliminates a lot of anxiety from my shooting at night.  I no longer have to worry about a cable getting ripped out and destroying my camera or ASIAir.  

Why did ZWO remove the bubble levels?  I have no idea, but it will make things more difficult for anyone shooting in the grass.

Periodic Error and Performance

ZWO has been touting the improved Periodic Error of the AM5N, which is said to be half of the original AM5.  According to my documents, the AM5 had a Max / Min Periodic Error of 9.8 / 4.6 Arc-Seconds.  The AM5N had a Max / Min Periodic Error of 9.9 / 2.9 Arc-Seconds.  Based on actual testing though, I was seeing substantially better guiding performance on the AM5N.  In fact, the Dec guiding error was stable around 0.2 arc-seconds of error, while the RA guiding error was around 0.7 arc-seconds.  On the older AM5, I was normally getting around 1 arc-second of error on both RA and Dec.  

Keep in mind that every unit is unique, so your results may vary.  

 

Price

The AM5N costs the same as the original - $2,300.  This price includes the carbon fiber tripod as well.  If you have a longer telescope, then I'd highly recommend purchasing the pier extension.  This will elevate the mount up away from the tripod legs, giving you more clearance with the telescope and camera.  You should also consider purchasing a counterweight rod if you will be using a heavier telescope (30+lbs).

The ASI 2600 Air pairs perfectly with the AM5N.  Although, I wonder if ZWO will make a future variant of the AM5 that includes a built-in ASIAir?  This would actually make more sense than including the ASIAir inside the camera body.

 

Final Thoughts

The ZWO AM5N is a small, but important update to the original AM5.  It seems as though ZWO was worried about the potential problems of cable snags, and so they redesigned the mount specifically to avoid this problem.  They also made a few more improvements under the hood, including a lower periodic error and increased payload capacity.

If you haven't purchased a go-to mount yet, then I would highly recommend the new AM5N.  However, if you already have an AM5, I would only recommend buying the AM5N if you want to run two rigs at night.  This could double your exposure times easily, or allow you to photograph different targets at the same time.  Either way, this would help to make the most of those few clear nights.

As for me personally, I'm debating whether or not I will buy the AM5N after the review process.  I really like the improved cable layout, but I don't want to spend another $2,300.  

AM5N Tutorial

As part of my AM5N review, I created a full-length tutorial.  I cover the initial unboxing and setup process, then I go through the entire ASIAir workflow.  If you're new to the AM5 system, then this could really help out!  You can watch the full video on my YouTube Channel: