ZWO ASI2600 MC Pro (2025 Version)

The latest ZWO ASI2600MC Pro (2025) combines an upgraded APS-C Sony IMX571 sensor with refined electronics, zero amp glow, and powerful two-stage cooling for clean, detailed color astrophotography. Built for reliability and precision, this next-generation camera continues ZWO’s tradition of excellence for deep-sky imaging.

Key Highlights

• 26MP APS-C Sony IMX571 sensor with 3.76μm pixels
• True 16-bit ADC and 14 stops of dynamic range
• Zero amp glow and ultra-low dark current for clean long exposures
• Two-stage TEC cooling up to 35°C below ambient
• 512MB DDR3 buffer and high-speed USB 3.0 interface
• Integrated anti-dew heater and adjustable tilt plate

Why Starizona Recommends It

The ASI2600MC Pro remains one of the most balanced cameras in astrophotography — combining a large sensor, superb color performance, and reliable cooling in a compact form. Whether you’re imaging galaxies, nebulae, or star clusters, this camera delivers professional-quality data without the complexity of full-frame systems.

Overview

ZWO’s ASI2600MC Pro (2025) builds on one of the most popular deep-sky cameras ever made. The updated model features refined thermal design, faster and more stable data transmission, and exceptional image quality driven by the Sony IMX571 sensor. It’s a camera that delivers the kind of detail and consistency astrophotographers demand night after night.

Despite its compact 0.7 kg design, the ASI2600MC Pro offers big performance: a true 26-megapixel resolution, high dynamic range, and virtually zero amp glow. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a proven, high-end one-shot color camera that performs across a wide range of telescopes and imaging setups.

Refined Design & Sensor Performance

At the heart of the ASI2600MC Pro is Sony’s APS-C format IMX571 sensor, measuring 23.5 × 15.7 mm with a 28.3 mm diagonal. It delivers 6248 × 4176 resolution for a total of 26 megapixels, with each 3.76 μm pixel offering a generous full-well capacity of 73ke⁻. The result is crisp, richly detailed color images and excellent signal handling.

The advanced CMOS design achieves a true 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion, giving the camera an impressive 14-stop dynamic range. That means smooth tonal gradients, rich color transitions, and the ability to preserve both bright highlights and delicate faint structures in the same frame.

Zero Amp Glow & Clean Data

ZWO’s zero amp glow circuitry ensures that even long exposures at high gain stay free from the typical bright corner artifacts found in many CMOS sensors. Combined with the 512MB DDR3 memory buffer and high-speed USB 3.0 interface, the ASI2600MC Pro transfers image data quickly and reliably without dropped frames or lag.

This makes the camera remarkably dependable for all-night imaging sessions, whether you’re shooting narrowband from your backyard or broadband under dark skies.

Cooling & Dark Current Performance

The ASI2600MC Pro’s dual-stage TEC (thermoelectric) cooling system reduces the sensor temperature by up to 35°C below ambient. By lowering dark current and noise to nearly negligible levels, you can capture long exposures with remarkable clarity and minimal calibration effort.

At 0°C, dark current measures just 0.0022 e⁻/s/pix — even over a five-minute exposure, the total dark current noise is only 0.7 e⁻. When cooled to –20°C, this value drops to 0.00012 e⁻/s/pix, producing incredibly clean frames that preserve the finest details.

Thoughtful Mechanical Design

Every aspect of the ASI2600MC Pro is built for real-world astrophotography. The integrated polyimide heater prevents dew and frost from forming on the sensor window, keeping your optics clear through long nights of imaging.

The tilt adjustment plate allows fine alignment of the sensor to ensure a perfectly flat field, even with fast optical systems like HyperStar.

The body itself is precision-machined aluminum, providing durability and effective heat dissipation while keeping total weight to just 1.54 lbs (0.7 kg).

Quantum Efficiency & Sensitivity 

With a peak quantum efficiency (QE) of 80%, the ASI2600MC Pro captures light efficiently across the visible spectrum, translating more photons into data. This exceptional sensitivity allows shorter exposures and higher-quality signal even under light-polluted skies.

Connection & Backfocus

The ASI2600MC Pro includes multiple threaded interfaces and adapters to ensure flexible connection to a wide range of telescopes and accessories. Maintaining the standard 55mm backfocus requirement, the camera integrates easily with common reducers, flatteners, and filter systems.

Specifications

• Sensor: Sony IMX571 APS-C CMOS (color)
• Resolution: 6248 × 4176 (26MP)
• Pixel Size: 3.76 μm
• Sensor Size: 23.5 × 15.7 mm (28.3 mm diagonal)
• ADC: 16-bit
• Dynamic Range: 14 stops
• Full Well Capacity: 73ke⁻
• Read Noise: 1.0 e⁻ (HCG mode)
• Cooling: Two-stage TEC, ΔT 30–35°C below ambient
• Dark Current: 0.0022 e⁻/s/pix at 0°C; 0.00012 e⁻/s/pix at –20°C
• QE Peak: 80%
• Interface: USB 3.0 Type-B
• Buffer: 512MB DDR3 memory
• Tilt Adjustment: Yes, 3-point adjustable plate
• Heater: Integrated anti-dew polyimide heater
• Weight: 0.7 kg (1.54 lbs)
• Backfocus Distance: 55 mm
• Cooling Power: Two-stage TEC (12V DC, 3A recommended)

What’s in the Box