ZWO ASI2600MM Pro APS-C Cooled Monochrome Astronomy Camera
Availability: Discontinued. Replaced by new version 2600MM-P25.
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- Full frame 26 megapixel APS-C sensor delivers exceptional detail
- Versatile 3.76um pixel size works well with many telescope types and focal lengths
- True 16-bit ADC provides 14 stops of high dynamic range
- 91% peak quantum efficiency for greater sensitivity
- High 50ke- full well capacity captures bright details without bloated stars
- Ultra-low Readout Noise (1.0e)
- No amp glow for cleaner images and easier editing
- Seamless compatibility with ZWO accessories like the ZWO Camera Angle Adjuster or the 7-Position Electronic Filter Wheel.
ASI2600MM Pro Overview: The Ultimate APS-C Camera for Deep Space Astrophotography
ZWO’s ASI2600MM Pro Monochrome Camera is a top choice for both backyard imagers and professional observatories. It’s trusted worldwide for its outstanding performance, low read noise, and high sensitivity. With 3.76µm pixels, this camera pairs well with a wide variety of telescopes and is great for deep sky imaging in different seeing conditions. As a monochrome camera, it uses narrowband or LRGB filters to create color images, giving you greater control, higher image quality, and the flexibility to capture stunning detail in everything from galaxies to faint nebulae.
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro Review & Results
In this video, Agena Astro affiliate Trevor Jones from AstroBackyard covers the key features and some of the outstanding results he’s achieved with the ZWO ASI2600MM Pro.
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro Highlights
Built-in Dew Prevention
The ZWO ASI2600MM Pro uses a polyimide heater that fits perfectly behind the front cover of the sensor. The heater can be turned on or off depending on your climate. It dramatically reduces frost or dew that can form in higher-humidity environments. The heating element uses 5W at maximum power and can be controlled through any app that uses ASCOM.
512MB DDR3 RAM
The ASI2600MM Pro features 512MB of built-in DDR3 memory, which helps prevent dropped frames during image capture. This onboard cache also works alongside the USB 3.0 interface to eliminate amp glow—an unwanted bright patch that can appear in your images during long exposures, caused by heat and power from the camera’s electronics.
High Speed USB Connection
With its high-speed USB 3.0 port, the ZWO ASI2600MM Pro can download files with minimal lag time! Like all ZWO cameras in the pro series, it also has two USB 2.0 ports for accessories like a filter wheel, guider, or the ZWO Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA).
The Perfect Sensor for All Your Favorite Deep Sky Targets
Nebulae
The Crab Nebula
Taken by Isaac Garfinkle using a ZWO ASI2600MM Pro with 3nm Chroma SHO filters and a 10” GSO Truss Tube RC. Total exposure time of 27.5 hours.
Galaxies
The Pinwheel Galaxy
Taken by Tommy Lease using a ZWO ASI2600MM Pro with 36mm Antlia LRGB filters, a 3nm H-alpha filter, and an Explore Scientific 127mm ED APO. Total exposure time of 30.5 hours.
Star Clusters
NGC 5053 Globular Cluster
Taken by Drew Evans using a ZWO ASI2600MM Pro with 2-inch Chroma LRGB filters and a Celestron EdgeHD 1100 reduced to f/7. Total exposure time of 2hr 20 minutes.
ASI2600MM Pro Specifications Overview
The ASI2600MM Pro has some of the best technical capabilities of any cooled astronomy camera on the market. Starting with a quantum efficiency (QE) of 91% means that the camera records nearly all of the photons hitting its sensor as data. This means it collects more light more efficiently, so your camera captures faint targets faster and with better detail. This is truly beneficial when imaging faint objects like galaxies and planetary nebulae. Its 3.76um pixels are perfect for a wide range of focal lengths and dynamic ranges too, all of which is complemented by a high 50Ke full well capacity.
Better Light Collection with Sony’s Back-Illuminated Sensor
Sony's BSI CMOS sensor technology enhances sensitivity and reduces noise by positioning electronics behind the silicon layer rather than on top. This creates an unobstructed path for photons to reach the photodiode, rather than traditional CCD sensors, which have the layers reversed. This BSI technology also helps to reduce download speed, and it has proven especially helpful when managing the data output of high-resolution sensors like the IMX571. And even more so with ZWO's full-frame models such as ASI6200MM, ASI6200MC, and ASI2400MC.
Reduced Noise with Two-stage TEC Cooling
The ASI2600MM Pro uses an advanced dual-stage thermoelectric (TEC) cooling mechanism that lowers sensor temperature by 63°F (35°C) below the surrounding environmental conditions. This cooling approach combines with ZWO's dark current reduction technology to deliver exceptional noise control.
Operating at 32°F (0°C), the camera generates merely 0.0022 electrons of thermal noise per pixel each second. This ensures that, during 5-minute exposures, the total thermal interference (0.7e) stays beneath the system's baseline readout noise. At -4°F (-20°C), thermal current drops to a level so low it becomes irrelevant to final image quality and processing.
Dual Gain Modes Give You More Control Over Image Quality
The ASI2600MM’s IMX571 sensor introduces a significant improvement over earlier camera sensor models through its dual gain architecture. When you adjust the gain setting to 100, you'll instantly minimize read noise while enhancing dynamic range. This also boosts sensitivity, enabling you to record subtle details with reduced noise interference.
For most imaging scenarios, ZWO suggests using gain 100 as the optimal setting. The primary exceptions involve bright deep-sky targets or situations requiring brief exposure times, where lower or higher gain settings may prove more effective.
Native 16-bit ADC Improves Dynamic Range
The ZWO ASI2600MM Pro stands out for its incredible image quality thanks to its 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). While older CCD cameras claim 16-bit capability, this modern CMOS sensor provides a genuine 14-stop dynamic range. This provides excellent contrast and smooth tonal gradations, particularly when used with narrowband filters. From the faintest nebula details to the brightest central stars, the ASI2600MM Pro captures everything with ease in a single exposure!
Zero Amp Glow Makes Post-Processing Easier
The ZWO ASI2600MM Pro shows a major advance with its total removal of amp glow. Amp-glow happens when infrared light leaks onto the sensor, creating unwanted marks that ruin your final images. Amp glow affects many older astro cameras, DSLRs, and even some modern cameras. Sometimes the issue is so severe that dark calibration frames need flat frames to fix it. No amp glow means you get cleaner, high-quality images right out of the camera.
How to Connect the ASI2600MM Pro for the Recommended 55mm Back Focus
For other detailed connection methods, refer to ZWO's ASI2600MM Pro Connection Methods.
| Product Banner Type | discontinued |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- ZWO ASI2600MM Pro Camera Body
- Soft Case
- Quick Guide
- USB 3.0 cable (2 meters)
- 2x USB 2.0 cable (0.5 meters
- T2 - M48 Extender (16.5mm)
- T2 Extender (21mm)
- M42 to M48 Adapter
- Dust Cover
- Hexagon Wrench
- Full frame 26 megapixel APS-C sensor delivers exceptional detail
- Versatile 3.76um pixel size works well with many telescope types and focal lengths
- True 16-bit ADC provides 14 stops of high dynamic range
- 91% peak quantum efficiency for greater sensitivity
- High 50ke- full well capacity captures bright details without bloated stars
- Ultra-low Readout Noise (1.0e)
- No amp glow for cleaner images and easier editing
- Seamless compatibility with ZWO accessories like the ZWO Camera Angle Adjuster or the 7-Position Electronic Filter Wheel.
ASI2600MM Pro Overview: The Ultimate APS-C Camera for Deep Space Astrophotography
ZWO’s ASI2600MM Pro Monochrome Camera is a top choice for both backyard imagers and professional observatories. It’s trusted worldwide for its outstanding performance, low read noise, and high sensitivity. With 3.76µm pixels, this camera pairs well with a wide variety of telescopes and is great for deep sky imaging in different seeing conditions. As a monochrome camera, it uses narrowband or LRGB filters to create color images, giving you greater control, higher image quality, and the flexibility to capture stunning detail in everything from galaxies to faint nebulae.
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro Review & Results
In this video, Agena Astro affiliate Trevor Jones from AstroBackyard covers the key features and some of the outstanding results he’s achieved with the ZWO ASI2600MM Pro.
ZWO ASI2600MM Pro Highlights
Built-in Dew Prevention
The ZWO ASI2600MM Pro uses a polyimide heater that fits perfectly behind the front cover of the sensor. The heater can be turned on or off depending on your climate. It dramatically reduces frost or dew that can form in higher-humidity environments. The heating element uses 5W at maximum power and can be controlled through any app that uses ASCOM.
512MB DDR3 RAM
The ASI2600MM Pro features 512MB of built-in DDR3 memory, which helps prevent dropped frames during image capture. This onboard cache also works alongside the USB 3.0 interface to eliminate amp glow—an unwanted bright patch that can appear in your images during long exposures, caused by heat and power from the camera’s electronics.
High Speed USB Connection
With its high-speed USB 3.0 port, the ZWO ASI2600MM Pro can download files with minimal lag time! Like all ZWO cameras in the pro series, it also has two USB 2.0 ports for accessories like a filter wheel, guider, or the ZWO Camera Angle Adjuster (CAA).
The Perfect Sensor for All Your Favorite Deep Sky Targets
Nebulae
The Crab Nebula
Taken by Isaac Garfinkle using a ZWO ASI2600MM Pro with 3nm Chroma SHO filters and a 10” GSO Truss Tube RC. Total exposure time of 27.5 hours.
Galaxies
The Pinwheel Galaxy
Taken by Tommy Lease using a ZWO ASI2600MM Pro with 36mm Antlia LRGB filters, a 3nm H-alpha filter, and an Explore Scientific 127mm ED APO. Total exposure time of 30.5 hours.
Star Clusters
NGC 5053 Globular Cluster
Taken by Drew Evans using a ZWO ASI2600MM Pro with 2-inch Chroma LRGB filters and a Celestron EdgeHD 1100 reduced to f/7. Total exposure time of 2hr 20 minutes.
ASI2600MM Pro Specifications Overview
The ASI2600MM Pro has some of the best technical capabilities of any cooled astronomy camera on the market. Starting with a quantum efficiency (QE) of 91% means that the camera records nearly all of the photons hitting its sensor as data. This means it collects more light more efficiently, so your camera captures faint targets faster and with better detail. This is truly beneficial when imaging faint objects like galaxies and planetary nebulae. Its 3.76um pixels are perfect for a wide range of focal lengths and dynamic ranges too, all of which is complemented by a high 50Ke full well capacity.
Better Light Collection with Sony’s Back-Illuminated Sensor
Sony's BSI CMOS sensor technology enhances sensitivity and reduces noise by positioning electronics behind the silicon layer rather than on top. This creates an unobstructed path for photons to reach the photodiode, rather than traditional CCD sensors, which have the layers reversed. This BSI technology also helps to reduce download speed, and it has proven especially helpful when managing the data output of high-resolution sensors like the IMX571. And even more so with ZWO's full-frame models such as ASI6200MM, ASI6200MC, and ASI2400MC.
Reduced Noise with Two-stage TEC Cooling
The ASI2600MM Pro uses an advanced dual-stage thermoelectric (TEC) cooling mechanism that lowers sensor temperature by 63°F (35°C) below the surrounding environmental conditions. This cooling approach combines with ZWO's dark current reduction technology to deliver exceptional noise control.
Operating at 32°F (0°C), the camera generates merely 0.0022 electrons of thermal noise per pixel each second. This ensures that, during 5-minute exposures, the total thermal interference (0.7e) stays beneath the system's baseline readout noise. At -4°F (-20°C), thermal current drops to a level so low it becomes irrelevant to final image quality and processing.
Dual Gain Modes Give You More Control Over Image Quality
The ASI2600MM’s IMX571 sensor introduces a significant improvement over earlier camera sensor models through its dual gain architecture. When you adjust the gain setting to 100, you'll instantly minimize read noise while enhancing dynamic range. This also boosts sensitivity, enabling you to record subtle details with reduced noise interference.
For most imaging scenarios, ZWO suggests using gain 100 as the optimal setting. The primary exceptions involve bright deep-sky targets or situations requiring brief exposure times, where lower or higher gain settings may prove more effective.
Native 16-bit ADC Improves Dynamic Range
The ZWO ASI2600MM Pro stands out for its incredible image quality thanks to its 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC). While older CCD cameras claim 16-bit capability, this modern CMOS sensor provides a genuine 14-stop dynamic range. This provides excellent contrast and smooth tonal gradations, particularly when used with narrowband filters. From the faintest nebula details to the brightest central stars, the ASI2600MM Pro captures everything with ease in a single exposure!
Zero Amp Glow Makes Post-Processing Easier
The ZWO ASI2600MM Pro shows a major advance with its total removal of amp glow. Amp-glow happens when infrared light leaks onto the sensor, creating unwanted marks that ruin your final images. Amp glow affects many older astro cameras, DSLRs, and even some modern cameras. Sometimes the issue is so severe that dark calibration frames need flat frames to fix it. No amp glow means you get cleaner, high-quality images right out of the camera.
How to Connect the ASI2600MM Pro for the Recommended 55mm Back Focus
For other detailed connection methods, refer to ZWO's ASI2600MM Pro Connection Methods.
| Product Banner Type | discontinued |
|---|---|
| Free Shipping Graphic | Free Contiguous US Shipping |
| Hide Found a better Shipped Price on Frontend? | No |
- ZWO ASI2600MM Pro Camera Body
- Soft Case
- Quick Guide
- USB 3.0 cable (2 meters)
- 2x USB 2.0 cable (0.5 meters
- T2 - M48 Extender (16.5mm)
- T2 Extender (21mm)
- M42 to M48 Adapter
- Dust Cover
- Hexagon Wrench