ASI2600MC-pro

The ASI2600MC-Pro: A Crowd Favorite

The ASI2600MC-Pro from ZWO is a dedicated astronomy camera featuring an APS-C-sized sensor. Unlike a standard unmodified DSLR, it allows more wavelengths of light to pass through, particularly in the near-infrared range, making it ideal for capturing H-alpha emission nebulae. Aside from that, its core feature as an astrophotography camera is its active sensor cooling. The ASI2600MC-Pro can cool the sensor by up to 35K below ambient temperature, significantly reducing noise during long exposures. Since high temperatures are one of the main sources of electronic noise, this cooling system ensures cleaner images. Additionally, it allows for better calibration, as dark frames can be taken at a controlled, regulated sensor temperature that matches the conditions during imaging.
The camera’s sensor is the Sony IMX571, a highly regarded sensor in the astrophotography community. It boasts a resolution of 26MP, 14 stops of dynamic range, low read noise, and perhaps most importantly, near-zero amp glow. It’s worth noting that this sensor has been in use for over six years at the time of writing, proving its reliability and longevity.
I use this camera with an ASIAIR Plus, which makes the user experience incredibly straightforward. With this setup, it’s essentially plug-and-play. That being said, the camera is also compatible with other hardware and software when using the correct drivers, which are available for download.

Known Issues

The ASI2600MC-Pro has two known issues, though I have not personally encountered either. However, if you’re considering purchasing one, especially on the used market—these are important to be aware of.

Fan Vibrations

Some users have reported vibrations caused by the cooling fan. This can be a major issue in astrophotography, as even minor vibrations can introduce instability in the imaging system. There are solutions, such as replacing the stock fan with a higher-quality one, but be prepared to do some tinkering if you run into this problem.

Thermal Oil Leakage

Several users have reported an issue where an oily substance leaks onto the sensor. This problem has been acknowledged by ZWO, and they offer free repair or replacement with a lifetime warranty for affected customers. Additionally, this issue has been addressed in newer production models, so it should not occur in recently manufactured units.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I am extremely happy with this camera. I have never encountered any issues, and the data it produces has always been exciting to work with. Whether you’re just getting into deep-sky imaging or looking for a reliable upgrade, the ASI2600MC-Pro is a fantastic choice.