ZWO ASI 2600 MM-Air Mono Camera (86415)

The ASI2600MC Air combines an imaging and guiding sensor in one compact housing. The main imaging sensor is the Sony IMX571, featuring a native 16-bit ADC, a dynamic range of 14 f-stops, and 3.76 µm square pixels. It offers an exceptionally low readout noise of just 1.0 e⁻ and an impressive full well capacity of 80 ke⁻, all without amplifier glow. The standout feature is the integration of the ASI Air astrophotography computer, previously available only as a separate device. This provides a complete deep-sky imaging system with a cooled camera, integrated guider, and smart control unit in one device.

The guiding sensor is the SC2210, offering excellent near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity. It is the same sensor used in the ZWO ASI220MM Mini camera. With a size of 7.68 mm x 4.32 mm, 4 µm pixels, a 1920×1080 resolution, and a full well capacity of 8780 e⁻, it delivers precise guiding performance. Some distortion of stars near the image corners may occur due to flange focal distance, but this is normal and does not affect guiding accuracy.

The ASI2600MC Air requires only a single USB cable for operation, reducing potential cable clutter and simplifying setup. A separate off-axis guider (OAG) or external guiding camera is not needed.

Additional Features
• STARVIS technology: Based on Sony’s back-illuminated CMOS design, it improves sensitivity and reduces noise for higher image quality.
• Native 16-bit ADC: Offers a dynamic range of 14 f-stops for greater detail, contrast, and smooth color transitions.
• Frame rate: Achieves up to 15 fps in RAW8 mode at full resolution, faster than the ASI2600MC Pro.
• USB 3.0 and 512 MB DDR3 buffer: Ensures stable, secure data transmission and prevents image dropouts.
• No amplifier glow: The zero-amp-glow circuit eliminates unwanted infrared artifacts, even at high gain and long exposures.
• Quantum efficiency (QE): Peak QE exceeds 91% based on ZWO’s internal testing.
• Two-stage TEC cooling: Reduces sensor temperature by over 35°C below ambient, minimizing dark current and noise during long exposures. (Delta T of 35°C tested at 30°C ambient; effectiveness may decrease with prolonged use or lower ambient temperature.)
• Dark current noise: Extremely low even with moderate cooling, providing cleaner images.
• Anti-frost heating: A built-in 5W polyimide heater prevents condensation or frost buildup on the sensor window. It can be switched off to save power.

Power Requirements
An external power supply is required. The camera draws up to 1A even in uncooled mode, exceeding the standard 900 mA USB port limit. Stable operation is only possible with a 12V, 3A power source (5.5 / 2.1 mm connector).

Dual-Band Wi-Fi
Equipped with an external antenna supporting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, the camera maintains a stable wireless connection up to 20 meters. Using the ZWO ASIAir app, users can control the camera and view images directly from their smartphone.

Compatibility
The ZWO Air camera series is compatible with telescopes supporting APS-C or larger image formats. When used with an APS-C image circle, slight distortions in guide stars may occur. For optimal guiding accuracy, telescopes with full-frame or larger image circles are recommended.

Included Equipment
• ASI2600MC Air camera
• Controller unit
• Required cables and connectors

Technical Specifications
• Sensor type: CMOS (Sony IMX571)
• Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.7 mm
• Megapixels: 26 MP
• Pixel size: 3.76 µm
• Resolution: 6248 x 4176 pixels
• Bit depth: 16-bit
• Active cooling: Yes (two-stage TEC)
• Interface: USB 3.0
• Telescope connection: M54
• Color camera: No (monochrome)
• Maximum cooling difference: 35°C below ambient
• Frame rate: 15 fps
• Readout noise: 0.9 e⁻
• Full well capacity: 50,000 e⁻
• Flange focal distance: 17.5 mm
• Power supply: 12V
• Sensor diagonal: 28.3 mm
• Buffer memory: 256 GB
• Internal storage: eMMC
• Infrared filter: Yes
• Wi-Fi: Yes (dual-band)
• Filter wheel: Not included
• Controller: Included
• Weight: 775 g
• Series: ASI2600
• Diameter: 90 mm
• Length: 98 mm

Recommended Use
• Suitable for deep-sky imaging (nebulae and galaxies)
• Includes integrated autoguider
• Not intended for planetary, lunar, or meteor imaging