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IMPORTANT: Our store is located in Canada. All orders that include products manufactured outside of Canada or USA will be subject to tariffs and duties, regardless of the order value. US customers are responsible for all applicable duties and tariffs, and those will be billed by the carrier, except for the Lacerta upgrade kit, for which we collect them at checkout.
ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR Wireless Smart Color
ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR Wireless Smart Color
ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR Wireless Smart Color
ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR Wireless Smart Color

ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR Wireless Smart Color

by ZWO
SKU ZWO-ASI2600MC-AIR
$1,999.00 - $1,999.00
$1,999.00
$1,999.00 - $1,999.00
$1,999.00
Price Match Policy!
  • 26.4 MP APS-C Color CMOS Sensor
  • Integrated ASIAIR Computer with 256 GB Storage
  • Built-in SC2210 Autoguiding Sensor
  • Wireless Control via WiFi Interface
  • 16-Bit ADC and 14 Stops of Dynamic Range
2 in stock
FREE Shipping in CONUS
  • Description
  • FAQ
  • Specifications
  • In the Box
  • Downloads
  • Warranty

  • ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR Wireless Smart Color Camera and Guider

    The ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR integrates a 26.4 MP APS-C format Sony sensor, a dedicated SC2210 guide camera, and a complete ASIAIR computer with 256 GB of onboard storage into a single, cable-free unit. This design uses a back-illuminated sensor with 3.76µm pixels and a peak Quantum Efficiency of 80% to capture deep-sky objects with exceptional sensitivity. With its native 16-bit A/D converter, the camera records over 65,000 tonal values, ensuring smooth gradients in faint nebulae and bright star cores alike.

    All-in-One Imaging: 3 Devices in 1 Body

    The core design of the ASI2600MC-AIR eliminates the need for a separate guide scope, guide camera, and external mini-PC. By building the main 26.4 MP imaging sensor, a 1920x1080 guide sensor, and the ASIAIR processing unit into one 760g housing, you dramatically reduce setup complexity, potential cable snags, and system weight. Power and data for all three core components are managed internally, requiring only a single 12V DC input to run your entire imaging and guiding system.

    APS-C Sony Sensor with 16-Bit Dynamic Range

    At the heart of the camera is a Sony IMX571 back-illuminated color sensor with a 28.3 mm diagonal, ideal for framing large targets like the North American Nebula (NGC 7000) or the Andromeda Galaxy (M31). The 16-bit ADC delivers 14 stops of dynamic range, preserving detail in the brightest parts of the Orion Nebula's (M42) Trapezium while still resolving the faint outer gas clouds. With a low read noise of 1.4e at a typical gain setting and active cooling to -35°C below ambient, thermal noise is suppressed for clean, long-exposure images.

    • 26.4 Megapixel Resolution: The 6280 x 4210 pixel array provides ample resolution for large-format prints and aggressive cropping.
    • 80% Peak QE: High sensitivity captures more photons in less time, improving the signal-to-noise ratio on faint targets.
    • Zero Amp Glow: An internal circuit eliminates the amp glow common in many CMOS sensors, simplifying calibration and processing.

    Integrated Guiding with a 4µm Pixel Sensor

    The ASI2600MC-AIR removes the complexity of off-axis guiders or separate guide scopes. A secondary SC2210 sensor with 4µm pixels is integrated into the camera body, picking off light from the main telescope optical path. This completely eliminates the possibility of differential flexure between the imaging and guiding systems. Once your main camera is focused, a simple adjustment knob brings the guide sensor into sharp focus, locking in your tracking for the entire night.

    ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR vs. the ASI2600MC Pro

    Choosing between the ASI2600MC-AIR and the standalone ASI2600MC Pro depends entirely on your preferred workflow and existing equipment.

    • ZWO ASI2600MC Pro: Offers greater flexibility. It can be controlled by any astrophotography software (NINA, SGP, etc.) on a laptop and integrated into any existing setup. If you already have a guiding solution and a preferred PC-based workflow, the Pro model is the more direct choice.
    • ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR: Delivers ultimate integration. Its value is in combining imaging, guiding, and control into a single device managed by a phone or tablet. This is the superior option for building a new portable rig, minimizing cables, or for anyone who wants the streamlined, field-tested ASIAIR ecosystem without extra components. The trade-off is being committed to the ASIAIR app for control.

  • What are the main differences between the ZWO ASI2600MC-AIR and the ASI2600MC Pro?

    Both cameras use the same 26.4 MP Sony IMX571 sensor. The key difference is integration: the ASI2600MC-AIR includes a built-in guide camera and the ASIAIR computer for wireless, PC-free operation. The ASI2600MC Pro is a standalone imaging camera that requires a separate computer, software, and guiding system.

    How does the ASI2600MC-AIR perform on the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) with an 8" f/4 Newtonian?

    This is an excellent pairing. The ASI2600MC-AIR's APS-C sensor provides a wide field of view that can frame the entirety of M31 and its satellite galaxies M32 and M110 at that focal length. The 3.76µm pixels are well-matched to the resolution of an f/4 system, ensuring sharp stars and detailed dust lanes without significant over or undersampling.

    Can I use the ASI2600MC-AIR with narrowband filters like L-eXtreme or L-Ultimate?

    Yes, but with a consideration. The integrated guide sensor sits behind the filter wheel. While broadband (LPR, UV/IR Cut) and wider dual-band filters work well, very restrictive narrowband filters (e.g., 3nm) can dim guide stars significantly, making guiding difficult. For best results with narrowband imaging, using filters with a bandpass of 7nm or wider is recommended.

    Do I need a laptop at the telescope to use the ASI2600MC-AIR?

    No. The camera has a complete ASIAIR computer built-in. All functions—including polar alignment, plate solving, autofocus, sequencing, and guiding—are controlled wirelessly via the ASIAIR app on a smartphone or tablet.

    Is the built-in 256 GB storage enough for a night of imaging?

    Yes. A single 16-bit color frame from the ASI2600MC-AIR is approximately 50 MB. The 256 GB of internal storage can hold thousands of images, which is more than enough for several nights of continuous imaging before needing to transfer data.

    How do I power the ASI2600MC-AIR and my other accessories?

    The camera requires a 12V DC 3A power source. It also features a built-in power hub with multiple 12V outputs and USB 2.0 ports, allowing you to power accessories like a ZWO electronic focuser or filter wheel directly from the camera body, further simplifying cable management.

  • Sensor Sony IMX571 BSI CMOS (Color)
    Resolution 6280 x 4210 (26.4 MP)
    Pixel Size 3.76 µm
    Sensor Format APS-C (23.5 mm x 15.7 mm)
    Quantum Efficiency (Peak) 80%
    Bit Depth 16-bit
    Dynamic Range 14 stops
    Read Noise 0.84e- to 4.2e-
    Full Well Capacity 50,000e- (73,000e- in Extended Mode)
    Cooling System Regulated 2-Stage TEC
    Cooling Delta -30°C to -35°C below ambient
    Exposure Range 32µs to 2000s
    Shutter Type Electronic Rolling Shutter
    Amp Glow Control Yes
    Integrated Guide Sensor SC2210 (1920x1080, 4µm pixels)
    On-Camera Storage 256 GB
    Computer Interface WiFi
    Telescope Interface M54x0.75
    Back Focus 17.5 mm
    Power Requirement 12V DC 3A
    Weight 760 g
    Dimensions 97.9 mm x 90 mm x 90 mm

    • ASI2600MC-AIR Camera Body

      × 1

    • M54 to M48 Adapter

      × 1

    • 55mm Spacer Ring

      × 1

    • 1m Power Cord

      × 2

    • Power Extension Cord

      × 1

    • USB 2.0 Cable

      × 2

    • Tilt Plate Adjustment Wrench

      × 1

  • ZWO 2-Year Limited Warranty