ZWO ASI2600MC Pro

ZWO ASI2600MC Pro P25 — cooled APS-C colour astronomy camera

The ASI2600MC Pro P25 combines a Sony IMX571 back-illuminated sensor with one-shot colour capture, native 16-bit conversion and regulated cooling. Its APS-C imaging area suits wide-field nebulae and larger galaxies, while 3.76 µm pixels provide fine sampling with a suitable telescope.

Detailed colour imaging with low noise

Capture 6248 × 4176-pixel images without taking separate red, green and blue exposures. ZWO specifies 80% peak quantum efficiency, a 73,000-electron full well and up to 14 stops of dynamic range for this P25 version. Its zero-amp-glow circuitry avoids the bright electronic glow that can affect long exposures on some cameras.

High Conversion Gain mode engages at gain 100, reducing read noise while retaining a wide dynamic range. ZWO recommends gain 0 or 100 as starting points for deep-sky imaging; the best exposure still depends on the target, sky brightness and telescope.

Cooling and dew control

The two-stage TEC system lowers sensor temperature to reduce dark current during long imaging runs. ZWO quotes a 30–35°C reduction below ambient, with the 35°C figure tested at 30°C ambient. Cooling performance varies with conditions. A software-controlled heater around the protective window helps reduce dew and frost; it does not make the camera weatherproof.

USB transfer and capture modes

USB 3.0 and a 512 MB DDR3 buffer support reliable image transfer. USB 2.0 is also supported, with lower transfer speeds. Two USB 2.0 accessory ports help simplify connections to compatible imaging accessories.

The camera supports shorter exposures and region-of-interest capture for lunar and planetary work as well as long-exposure deep-sky imaging. Frame rate changes with image size, ADC mode and output format. ZWO lists a maximum of 14.3 fps for the P25 model. Actual speed depends on image size, capture settings, output format and USB connection; this maximum should not be read as a guaranteed full-resolution 16-bit capture rate.

Power requirements

Use an external 12 V DC supply rated for 3–5 A, with a 5.5 × 2.1 mm centre-positive connector. ZWO documents an 11–14 V input range and a maximum camera current of 3 A with cooling enabled. USB alone is not the camera's cooling power supply. Size any shared supply for the camera and all other connected equipment.

Optical connections and spacing

The front connection is T2/M42 × 0.75, with 17.5 mm from the front mounting reference to the sensor when the standard tilt plate is fitted. The included 21 mm and 16.5 mm extensions form a nominal 55 mm stack with that camera distance. Use 55 mm only where your corrector or reducer requires it; account for any filter drawer, filter wheel or other spacing components.

Sensor and imaging

Cooling, power and connections

Dimensions and installation

Standard manufacturer package

• ASI2600MC Pro camera body and protective cover
• 16.5 mm M42–M48 extender and 21 mm M42 extender
• M42 male–M48 female adapter
• 2 m USB 3.0 cable and two 0.5 m USB 2.0 cables
• Hex key, quick guide and camera bag

An external DC power supply is required separately. A filter wheel is not built into this camera.

Manufacturer documentation

ZWO ASI2600 Pro P25 product specifications · ZWO ASI2600MC Pro user manual · Mechanical drawing

Compatibility notes

P25 colour camera, not MM, DUO or Air. T2/M42x0.75 front connection; standard sensor-to-front distance 17.5 mm with 5 mm tilt plate. 16.5 + 21 + 17.5 = 55 mm only where the telescope corrector calls for 55 mm; account for filters and other accessories. External 12 V DC 3–5 A recommended, 11–14 V input, 5.5x2.1 mm centre-positive connector. P25 advertised 14.3 fps and detailed manual mode-table rates must not be conflated; confirm mode/firmware for speed-critical use.

Additional specifications