ZWO ASI2600MM-AIR Wireless Smart Mono Camera

A 3-in-1 System: 256 GB Storage, Guiding, and Imaging

The ASI2600MM-AIR combines three parts of an imaging rig (main camera, guide camera and computer) in a single device. You don't need a separate OAG, guide camera and ASIAIR, which reduces potential cabling issues and improves setup speed. All imaging and guiding data is managed by the internal computer and saved directly to 256 GB of onboard eMMC storage.

This self-contained architecture means you no longer need a laptop at the mount. The entire system is controlled from your smartphone or tablet via the ASIAIR app, handling everything from polar alignment and GoTo slewing to autofocus and sequence execution. For large data transfers after a session, a USB-C port provides direct, high-speed access to the internal storage.

The 26 MP Monochrome IMX571: An APS-C Sensor with 91% QE

At the heart of the ASI2600MM-AIR is Sony's back-illuminated IMX571 sensor, an APS-C format chip with a 28.3 mm diagonal. This monochrome sensor has a peak Quantum Efficiency of 91%, converting about 9 in 10 photons at its peak wavelength. This high sensitivity helps when capturing faint nebulosity and the outer arms of galaxies, especially when using narrowband filters.

With a resolution of 6248 x 4176 from its 3.76 µm pixels, the camera provides high-resolution sampling suitable for a wide range of telescope focal lengths. The APS-C format offers a wide field of view, capable of framing large targets like the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) or the entire Veil Nebula complex with short focal length refractors.

0.9e- Read Noise & 16-bit ADC: High Dynamic Range Performance

Read noise ranges from 0.9e- to 4.2e- depending on gain, falling to 0.9e- at high gain. The camera uses zero amp glow circuitry: you won't have to worry about amp glow even with high gain, long exposure imaging. Dark frames are still recommended for thermal noise and hot pixels.

A native 16-bit ADC provides a dynamic range of 14 stops, digitizing the sensor's output into 65,536 distinct levels. This gives smoother, more natural transitions, which helps hold faint nebulae and brighter stars in the same exposure. The full well capacity is 50ke-.

Two-Stage TEC Cooling: A 30-35°C Delta for Low Dark Current

To maintain consistent, low-noise performance, the ASI2600MM-AIR uses a two-stage thermoelectric cooler (TEC) to actively regulate the sensor's temperature. It lowers the sensor temperature by 30-35°C below ambient (ZWO tests this at 30°C ambient; as the ambient temperature falls, the delta T decreases), which greatly reduces dark current and sensor noise. Holding a set temperature also lets you reuse a dark frame library.

The camera body also has a built-in polyimide heater fitted to the AR protective window to avoid dew problems, and you can turn it off in software to save power.

Integrated Guiding with the SC2210 Sensor

The ASI2600MM-AIR features an internal SC2210 guide sensor with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, eliminating the need for a separate off-axis guider or guide scope. This sensor picks off guide stars from the edge of the telescope's light cone, providing tracking corrections through the built-in ASIAIR. The guider's focus is independently adjustable to ensure you can achieve sharp focus on both the main and guide sensors simultaneously.

• Simplified Setup: No need to mount, balance, or manage cables for a separate guide scope or OAG.
• Reduced Flexure: Since the guider is part of the main camera body, differential flexure between the imaging and guiding optical trains is eliminated.
• Image Circle Requirement: While compatible with telescopes supporting an APS-C image circle, a telescope with a full-frame or larger corrected image circle is recommended for the most accurate and stable guiding performance. This ensures guide stars at the periphery are not distorted.

ASI2600MM-AIR vs. ASI2600MM Pro: Integration vs. Modularity

While both cameras are built around the same 26 MP Sony IMX571 monochrome sensor, they serve different system design philosophies. The choice depends on whether you value an all-in-one solution or a modular, component-based setup.

• ZWO ASI2600MM Pro: This is a standalone camera. It suits imagers who already own an ASIAIR, a separate guide camera, and an OAG or guide scope. It allows you to build your imaging train from individual components, offering flexibility in configuration.
• ZWO ASI2600MM-AIR: This is a complete, self-contained imaging system. By integrating the ASIAIR, guide camera, and 256 GB of storage, it eliminates the need to purchase and connect those components separately. It suits portable setups and imagers who want fewer cables.

Wireless Control & Onboard Hub: 2.4/5GHz WiFi and Accessory Power

The ASI2600MM-AIR creates its own dual-band (2.4/5GHz) WiFi hotspot, with an effective distance of 20 meters (ZWO's average of tests); Bluetooth connection is also supported. The ASIAIR app provides a comprehensive interface for managing your mount, filter wheel, and electronic focuser from a phone or tablet.

The camera body also functions as a powered hub for your accessories. It has three 12V DC ports (12V@3A-10A input): any one is the power input and the other two are outputs for devices such as a dew heater strap or the mount. Its four USB 2.0 ports are for your focuser, filter wheel and mount, and a USB Type-C port handles fast file transfers.

Mechanical Design: 775g Body with 17.5mm/12.5mm Back Focus

Weighing just 775 g, the ASI2600MM-AIR is compact and lightweight, minimizing the load on your focuser and mount. The camera body features a female M54x0.75 thread for a secure connection to your optical train. With the included 21mm and 16.5mm M54-M54 extenders you reach 17.5 + 21 + 16.5 = 55mm, the optimal back focus; an M54-M48 adapter ring is also included.

The camera offers two native back focus distances. With the front ring attached, the back focus is 17.5 mm. By removing this 5mm ring, the back focus is reduced to 12.5 mm. This gives spacing flexibility when integrating the camera with different accessories like off-axis guiders or specific filter drawers.