ZWO FF130 telescope with AM5N?

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Hi Guys,

I currently have the FF65 telescope set up with my AM5N and it works great. I use the ASIAIR Plus, the TC40 tripod and the ZWO 30F4/ASI mini 120mm for guiding. I am after a bit more reach and with the Black Friday sales ZWO is having was contemplating the FF130. But I'm worried about whether this is a sensible idea for the following reasons:

Is the AM5N mount really ok with a 12.5kg+ scope. Do you need a counterweight setup (it comes under the payload requirement but maybe it's not 'safe' without). Do you also need a pier extension? (again presumably so). Does the 'physics' work out with TC40/AM5N and a big, long scope?
Is off-axis guiding a must? I haven't been out in a while because of the weather, but from memory I usually get between 0.5-1" guiding accuracy. I was hoping I could just get by with my exisiting guiding setup but maybe that's unrealistic.

Counterweights, pier extensions and OAG all add up to the overall cost if needed, which would be avoidable (I think) with something like the 107 mm. That would be a good compromise - the only thing that leaves me a little less-inspired is that I'm worried it's not a big enough difference to the FF65 and I could effectively emulate the FF107 with an FF130 + reducer.

Keen to hear from people who might have used this combination.

Thanks,

Paul

ASIMount-ZWO

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Hello, the AM5N can be fully equipped with the ff130Apo or ff107Apo
The choice between 130 and 107 depends on your composition requirements. What kind of target equipment combination is suitable for shooting in your current area and whether the field of view meets your communication needs.

If you are considering cost performance, I recommend that you use the 2600 (aps-c) and FF107Apo, installing a 0.7x defocusing lens. It can meet the composition needs of most photography enthusiasts. This solution has a relatively high cost performance.

Of course, if you have sufficient funds, you can definitely upgrade to the 6200 (full-frame) with the FF130Apo. This combination will have a better shooting effect, but the price will also be higher.