ZWO ASI2600 MC Pro (2025 Version)

The ZWO ASI2600MM Pro (2025) pairs Sony’s APS-C mono IMX571 sensor with high dynamic range, zero amp glow, and two-stage cooling for detailed, noise-free astrophotography. With its pure monochrome sensitivity and refined electronics, it’s a top choice for deep-sky imagers using filters or narrowband systems.

Key Highlights

• 26MP APS-C Sony IMX571 monochrome 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 ASI2600MM Pro is one of the most capable monochrome cameras available for astrophotography. With superb sensitivity, cooling, and zero amp glow, it’s the perfect match for filter-based systems where you want maximum signal-to-noise and sharp, clean data across all channels.

Overview

ZWO’s ASI2600MM Pro (2025) takes the same proven architecture as the ASI2600MC but replaces the color Bayer array with a full monochrome sensor for ultimate sensitivity and flexibility. It’s the go-to choice for astrophotographers using LRGB or narrowband filters who want to capture every photon with maximum control.

Refined Design & Sensor Performance

At the heart of the ASI2600MM Pro is Sony’s APS-C format IMX571 monochrome 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 full-well capacity of 73ke⁻. The absence of a Bayer matrix gives the MM Pro exceptional luminance and fine detail capture, making it ideal for scientific and narrowband imaging.

Zero Amp Glow & Clean Data

Just like the color version, the ASI2600MM Pro features ZWO’s zero amp glow circuitry, eliminating the bright corner artifacts typical of older CMOS designs. The result is perfectly clean long exposures, even when using high gain or narrowband filters.

Cooling & Dark Current Performance

The ASI2600MM Pro uses the same dual-stage TEC cooling system, achieving up to 35°C below ambient for exceptional dark current suppression. At 0°C, dark current measures only 0.0022 e⁻/s/pix, and at –20°C it drops to 0.00012 e⁻/s/pix — effectively negligible even in long, high-contrast narrowband exposures.

Thoughtful Mechanical Design

The design remains identical to the color version, including the integrated polyimide heater that prevents dew and frost from forming on the sensor window. 

The 3-point tilt adjustment plate allows precise alignment with the telescope’s optical axis, ensuring sharp, flat fields across large-format sensors — essential for narrowband imaging where precision is everything.

Quantum Efficiency & Sensitivity 

The ASI2600MM Pro’s quantum efficiency peaks at 91%, giving it higher overall sensitivity than the color version. Without the light loss of a Bayer filter, the MM Pro delivers stronger signal strength in every channel, producing cleaner, more accurate data for LRGB and narrowband imaging.

Connection & Backfocus

The ASI2600MM Pro maintains the same 55mm backfocus standard and modular interface design, making it compatible with a wide range of filter wheels and off-axis guiders. It integrates easily into existing imaging trains for both refractor and reflector setups.

Specifications

• Sensor: Sony IMX571 APS-C CMOS (monochrome)
• 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: 91%
• 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