The ZWO ASI2600MM DUO Astroimging Camera is an incredibly versatile and powerful astroimaging camera that combines two critical functions into one compact device. 
It houses a dedicated imaging sensor for capturing good quality deep sky objects and a sensitive guiding sensor to ensure pinpoint tracking accuracy throughout those all-important long exposure shots.

The ZWO ASI2600MM DUO uses an impressive Sony IMX571 back-illuminated CMOS sensor. This large APS-C format chip has a resolution of 26.2 megapixels (6240 x 4200 resolution) for incredibly detailed images. 

The IMX571 sensor is back-illuminated. The semiconductor that is used helps overcome the limitations of conventional front-illuminated chips by reversing the sensor's typical design and placing the light-capturing photodiodes closest to the incoming light. Wiring and circuitry that normally obstruct light are repositioned below, allowing more photons to reach the sensitive surface. This brings the sensor's peak quantum efficiency to 80%.

The IMX571 sensor also delivers 14 stops of dynamic range. With its cutting-edge 16-bit analogue-to-digital conversion, this sensor can capture 65,536 levels of brightness while holding onto faint details in black backgrounds. 

The back-illuminated IMX571 has another trick - ultra-low readout noise of just 1.0 electrons, even at high gain settings. Sony's advanced noise management virtually eliminates hot pixels and blemishes.

While the IMX571 captures all that photon data, the SC2210 guiding chip's that has been incorporated will ensure the long subs that are taken remain sharp, despite minute tracking errors introduced by gears, cabling, and atmospheric turbulence. The 1/1.8" sensor of the ASI220MM Mini guide camera, is renowned for its ability to lock onto even the faintest reference stars through light pollution filters. 

The SC2210 sensor captures a wide expanse of sky to ensure enough suitable guide stars are detected for precise auto-guiding calculations. But it's not just spatial resolution - the SC2210 delivers an eye-popping 92% quantum efficiency directly centred on the critical 500nm wavelength, granting it unrivalled sensitivity in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. And with an ultra-low 0.6 electron readout noise floor, it will unerringly differentiate those faint beacons from background noise and interference.

The combination of imaging and guiding sensors are perfectly co-aligned with the ASI2600MM DUO's robust yet compact chassis. But their configuration introduces another welcomed bonus - an obstructed light path to the imaging sensor that effectively creates a built-in off-axis guider (OAG). 

Despite integrating advanced dual sensor systems, the ASI2600MM DUO is remarkably streamlined and simple to integrate. A USB 3.0 connection with its blazing 5Gbps bandwidth handles all image download and camera control commands over a single cable. Seamless plug-and-play operation at up to 3.51fps ensures you'll never miss those fleeting deep-sky moments. But ZWO didn't stop at just simplifying the main computer link - the integrated powered USB 2.0 hub with two accessory ports further declutters cable management. Filter wheels, focusing units, guiding cameras, and more can all piggyback conveniently from the camera's central USB hub.  

Keeping that sensor at a very cold temperature is essential for minimising noise when you're exposing for hours on end capturing faint celestial objects. The ASI2600MM DUO has a two-stage thermoelectric cooler, capable of chilling the sensor package down to 35°C below ambient temperature! With a  512MB DDR3 buffer to store incoming image data, you'll never lose those precious long exposures due to an interrupted download to the computer.

As an extra safeguard against the elements, ZWO incorporates a dew-prevention heater into the ASI2600MM DUO precision-engineered housing. This 5W heating element envelopes the sensitive image cavity, elevating its temperature just enough to ensure that no stray moisture in the air condenses onto the sensor window during cold weather.

Specifications:

Sensor	Sony ExMor IMX571 APS-C - mono, SC2210 guide sensor mono
Resolution	26 Megapixels 6248 x 4176
Pixel Size	3.76 µm
Sensor Size	23.5 mm x 15.7 mm (28.3 mm diagonal)
Q.E	91%
Exposure Range	32µs-2000s
Read Noise	1.0e ~ 3.0e (@ 30 dB)
Full Well Capacity	50,000 e- (extended to 73,000 e-)
Bit rate	16 bit
Speed	15 fps in RAW8 mode
Shutter Type	Rolling shutter
Cooling	ΔT of 35°C
Memory Buffer	512Mb DDR III
ROI	Supported
Support Compatibility	Mac, Windows, Linux
Protecting window	D60-2 IR Cut
Ports	USB 3.0 / USB 2.0
Back Focus	17.5 mm
Connections	2" / 1.25" / M54 x 0.75
Dimensions	Ø 90 mm; ↨ 97 mm
Weight	700 g
Power Supply	11-15V 3-5 A  (2.1×5.5 mm  connector)

 

Recommended Accessories

	ZWO 12V 5A Power Adapter for Cooled Cameras	Used to power your compatible ZWO cooled camera or electronic device.
	ZWO Desiccant Tablets for Cooled Cameras	Replace used dessicant tablets as required with the ZWO Dessicant Tablets for Cooled Cameras to keep your cooled camera functioning optimally.
	M48 T-Thread Spacer Ring Kit	Add a M48-T-Thread Spacer Ring Kit to adjust backfocus spacing as required. Comes with 7 convenient sizes.
	ZWO 7 Position 2-inch Electronic Filter Wheel	Add 7 of your favourite filters into an electronic filter wheel to swap between them automatically. Suitable for 2" threaded filters.

 

About ZWO Optical

Astrophotography has never been easier.

Established in 2011, ZWO Optical is a fast-growing global astroimaging camera powerhouse based in Suzhou China. They focus on building and innovating ground-breaking CMOS cameras such as the iconic ZWO ASI120MM Monochrome CMOS camera (the first-ever planetary CMOS camera to beat a CCD in the early 2010s). ZWO continues to pioneer new astrophotography technology with revolutionary features to capture exceptional quality of images of space that will last you a lifetime. Today, ZWO cameras are recognised by every passionate astrophotographer and are available in over 25 countries internationally.

Product Code: ASI2600MM-DUO