ZWO ASI 2600MC PRO cooled astronomical color camera, D-28.3mm chip

ZWO ASI2600MC Pro: next-generation powerful color astronomical camera

ZWO has gone a step further with this new camera. The color sensor in APS-C format impresses with its extremely high sensitivity and 16-bit data depth. This means that the stars no longer burn out, even with longer exposure times. You get much better dynamics.

One of the standout features of the ASI 2600MC Pro is the sensational light sensitivity. The QE of 80% thanks to the BACK ILLUMINATION technology and the brightness of the amplifier that is no longer available make the camera very suitable for all astronomical applications, but especially for deep sky astrophotography.

The "single shot" color camera offers more convenience than monochrome cameras. Not everyone wants to use the complex L-RGB process to get beautiful color nebula images or planetary images. Color cameras give you the opportunity to get great pictures without changing the filter. However, in direct comparison with the DSLR camera, the ASI camera convinces with a much higher light sensitivity, a softer image and a significantly greater depth. Stars don't burn out that fast.

Other benefits and product features of the ASI 2600MC Pro color camera:

♦ USB 3.0 for fast download - can also be used with USB 2.0

♦ DDR3 memory buffer for stable data transfer with USB 2.0 - Minimizes "dropped frames"

♦ The amplifier does not shine!

♦ Powerful Peltier cooling up to 35°C below ambient temperature

♦ One of Sony's most light-sensitive CMOS sensors

♦ High resolution with 3.76 µm pixels – ideal for fast, sharp telescopes like Apos, Hyperstar, Celestron Faststar, Fast Newtonian telescopes, etc.

♦ Supplied with IR cut filter - no problem with refractive optics

♦ Distance of connection thread T2 (internal thread) to the camera sensor: 17.5 mm

♦ High sensitivity - QE greater than 80% - ideal astronomical camera for faint objects

♦ 16-bit ADC – Offers the same depth as CCD cameras, but with much higher sensitivity

Camera application areas:

♦ Deep sky recordings (nebulae and galaxies): Due to the high sensitivity, nebulae and galaxies are captured after a few seconds. The camera can be cooled down to 35°C below ambient temperature. This further reduces the already low noise level. By increasing the GAIN (comparable to the ISO setting on digital SLR cameras), you can reduce exposure times to less than 30 seconds. This eliminates effects caused by air turbulence or tracking inaccuracies.

♦ Moon and planet recordings: Extremely short exposure times due to high sensitivity freeze air turbulence. Due to the high resolution of the sensor, highly detailed images can be obtained even with a shorter focal length telescope. Video astronomy is also possible.

back lighting technology

Sony's back-illuminated CMOS image sensor improves sensitivity and noise reduction, key factors in improving image quality, by changing the basic pixel structure from front-illuminated to back-illuminated. The advantages of CMOS image sensors, such as low power consumption and high operating speed, have been retained.

Postexposure improves light capture while increasing the amount of light. This makes significantly shorter exposure times possible and leads to an improved quantum efficiency of 80%.

Sony has developed a unique photodiode structure and on-chip lens optimized for back-illuminated structures, resulting in higher sensitivity and lower non-light random noise by reducing noise, dark current, and defective pixels compared to traditional structure with front lighting.

No amp glow

Conventional CMOS sensors produce a faint source of infrared light during operation, which can often be seen in the corners of uncalibrated images as a telltale sign of "amplifier brightness." Because the ASI2600MC Pro uses a zero gloss circuit, you don't have to worry about "amp gloss" even when using high-gain, long-exposure imaging.

Built-in anti-dew heater

The ASI2600MC Pro comes with the polyimide heating element which can avoid any condensation problem.

The anti-dew heater slightly warms the protective glass to prevent condensation problems.

The power of the anti-dew heater is about 5W. It can be turned on and off in the software to save electricity.

Important: external power supply required!

Even in uncooled operation, this camera requires 1 amp, which poses a problem for USB sockets on computers, as they are only designed for 900mA, i.e. 0.9A.

Therefore, stable operation of the camera is only possible with an external 12V power supply.

Optimum support before and after the purchase by Teleskop-Service:

We work with the cameras ourselves and can offer you the best possible advice. Which camera fits your telescope, how do you achieve the optimal fit? Teleskop-Service is one of the largest ZWO dealers. Thanks to our contacts, we also offer the best possible service after the purchase.

TS Tip 1: 2" Filter Integration, 360° Rotation & Quick Coupling

The chamber is often used in concealers that do not offer a filter thread. Also, filters should always be used as close to the camera as possible. We offer you a solution that can do much more.

♦ 2" filter holder directly in front of the chamber

♦ 360° rotation for the correct selection of the image section

♦ Quick Disconnect - You can remove the camera from the telescope at any time without screwing or tangling cables

The adaptation is very simple, the 21 mm T2 extension is replaced by:

♦ 1x TSROTT2-T2 and 2x T2AbstimmA1

One tuning ring goes on the camera side, one tuning ring goes on the telescope side of the rotator. Then screw in the adapter M42-M48 with a length of 16.5mm and it will be at the correct distance with the camera.

TS Tip 2: Camera and Accessory Storage

Especially in our latitudes, the nights are usually very humid. This moisture condenses on your camera, eyepiece, or filter as they enter the warm interior of the apartment. Cold rooms in particular are affected. A photo session ends quickly because the sensor freezes.

Good storage is an important prevention against dew and also prolongs shelf life.

After use, put the camera into the TS Protect case and add some silica gel. During storage, the silica gel absorbs moisture from the chamber. At the same time, the penetration of moist ambient air is prevented. Due to dry storage, even small dry tablets can be partially regenerated with cooled chambers. Your camera or accessories are always ready for you in optimal conditions. You can find the silica gel and the case in our product recommendations.

Downloads, drivers:

ZW Optical provides software and drivers online for free download.

Software and drivers for all ZWO cameras

ZWO Cameras FAQ:

ZWO constantly updates the FAQ area, here you can find answers to many questions.

FAQ about ZWO cameras

ZWO Users Forum

Instructions for ZWO products:

ZWO constantly updates the page, here you can find instructions for ZWO products.

Link to the manuals

How do I clean my ZWO camera?

ASI chamber and regenerating desiccant tablets: Please click here.

Especificaciones: