{"id":20335,"date":"2026-10-25T10:17:04","date_gmt":"2026-10-25T09:17:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/?p=20335"},"modified":"2026-10-25T10:22:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T09:22:20","slug":"asi2600mc-air-camera-refroidie-guideur-asiair-integres","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/asi2600mc-air-camera-refroidie-guideur-asiair-integres\/","title":{"rendered":"The ASI2600MC Air: Between Feat and Limits"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"product\"><div class=\"product\"><p>The ZWO ASI2600MC Air combines a cooled APS-C camera, a built-in guide scope, and an ASIAIR mini-computer all in a single housing. Just plug in the power, and that\u2019s it\u2014no more cables to deal with. At CHF 1,698, it radically simplifies your imaging setup. But there\u2019s a catch you should be aware of before taking the plunge.<\/p>\n<h2>All the info at a glance<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Sensor: Sony IMX571 APS-C color, 26 MP, 16-bit<\/li>\n<li>Cooling: 35\u00b0C below ambient temperature<\/li>\n<li>Integrated guide camera: ZWO SC2210, 0.6 e\u207b readout noise<\/li>\n<li>Built-in ASIAIR: 256 GB of storage, Wi-Fi + Bluetooth<\/li>\n<li>Ports: 4x USB, 3x 12 V outputs<\/li>\n<li>Weight: 760 g<\/li>\n<li>Price: CHF 1,698 (including Swiss VAT)<\/li>\n<li>Availability: In stock in our store<\/li>\n<li>Advantage: a single unit, a single power cord<\/li>\n<li>Limitation: The guide is behind the filter drawer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>One device to do it all<\/h2>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/zwo-a162225-detoure-hermes.png\" alt=\"ZWO ASI2600MC Air cam\u00e9ra refroidie APS-C avec guideur et ASIAIR int\u00e9gr\u00e9s, d\u00e9tour\u00e9e\" \/><figcaption>ZWO ASI2600MC Air. Credit: ZWO.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In a traditional setup, APS-C imaging requires at least four devices: the cooled camera, a guide scope (OAG or guide telescope), an ASIAIR mini-computer, and a USB hub to connect everything. That means cables going every which way, connections to manage, and multiple points of failure.<\/p>\n<p>The ASI2600MC Air combines all of this into a single 760-gram unit. Mount the camera on the telescope, connect a single 12 V power supply, and the built-in ASIAIR takes over: image capture, autoguiding, and autofocus\u2014all controlled from the app on your smartphone or tablet. No separate USB hub, no USB cable between the camera and the ASIAIR, and no external guide scope to align.<\/p>\n<p>For the amateur who\u2019s moving from a smart telescope to a \u00abserious\u00bb setup without wanting to get tangled up in cables, this is the ideal transition. You gain in image quality (cooled APS-C sensor, 26 MP, 16-bit) while retaining the simplicity of an all-in-one system.<\/p>\n<h2>The sensor: Sony IMX571, 26 MP, APS-C, cooled<\/h2>\n<p>The Sony IMX571 is a 26-megapixel APS-C color sensor with 3.76 \u00b5m pixels. It is the same sensor as the standard ASI2600MC Pro: identical image quality, identical resolution. The Peltier cooling system brings the temperature down to 35\u00b0C below ambient temperature, which drastically reduces thermal noise during long exposures. In practice, exposures of 300 seconds or longer result in a clean sky background and well-controlled noise.<\/p>\n<p>The APS-C format (26.7 x 17.9 mm) more than covers the image circle of a 44-mm f\/4\u2013f\/5 telescope. With a 0.8x reducer or a wide-field telescope, the sensor is filled without noticeable vignetting.<\/p>\n<h2>The Built-in Guide: Strengths and Limitations<\/h2>\n<p>The built-in SC2210 guide camera is a major advantage: no need for an OAG, a guide scope, or a separate guide camera. The guide camera is built into the housing; it sees the same field of view as the main camera, and autoguiding is managed through the built-in ASIAIR. With a readout noise of 0.6 e\u207b, it is a sensitive guide camera that can find guide stars even in relatively sparse fields.<\/p>\n<p><strong>But there's a catch.<\/strong> The guide scope is located behind the filter drawer. Specifically, the light reaching the guide sensor passes through the same filter as the main camera. Without a filter, there\u2019s no problem: the guide scope receives all the light. With a broadband filter (CLS, UV\/IR cut), the signal is slightly reduced but remains usable. However, with a narrowband filter (Ha 3 nm, OIII 3 nm), the guide camera receives only a narrow portion of the spectrum: there are fewer guide stars, and they are less bright.<\/p>\n<p><strong>With wide-aperture lenses<\/strong> (f\/4 to f\/5, Petzval refractors, short-focal-length Newtonian telescopes), the guide scope receives enough light\u2014even through a narrowband filter\u2014to guide properly. There are enough bright guide stars in the wide field of view.<\/p>\n<p><strong>With sealed optics<\/strong> (C8 at f\/10, RC at f\/8 at full focal length)\u2014that\u2019s a different story. The amount of light reaching the guider through a narrowband filter is too low for reliable guiding. Guide stars are few and faint, the autoguider loses track of the target, and the evening is ruined. In this case, you need an external guide scope (OAG or guide telescope) that bypasses the filter.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Our opinion:<\/strong> We really like the concept behind the ASI2600MC Air. The simplified setup is a real benefit in everyday use. But the guide camera positioned behind the filter gives us some pause. With wide-aperture optics, it\u2019s doable and it works. But forget about it with a C8 or an RC at full focal length in narrowband mode: the guide camera won\u2019t get enough signal.<\/p>\n<h2>ASIAIR Integrated: Everything from Your Smartphone<\/h2>\n<p>The built-in ASIAIR (256 GB of storage) controls the camera, guide scope, mount, autoguider, and the entire setup via a smartphone or tablet app. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, 4 USB ports to connect the mount, focuser, and other accessories, and 3 12-volt outputs to power heating elements or other equipment.<\/p>\n<p>Important limitation: The 12 V outputs cannot be controlled individually from the app, unlike with a standalone ASIAIR unit. For automatic anti-fog control based on the dew point, a separate DewMaster 2 or Ultimate Powerbox is required.<\/p>\n<h2>Recommended Setup: Upgrading from a Smart Telescope to a Real Setup<\/h2>\n<p>Here's the ideal setup for making the leap from a smart telescope to a serious astrophotography setup, without getting tangled up in cables:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Camera<\/strong> : <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/zwo-asi2600mc-air\/\">ZWO ASI2600MC Air<\/a> (CHF 1,698, including tax): a single unit, a single power cord, with an integrated guide and ASIAIR.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optics<\/strong> : <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/askar-60f-flat-field\/\">Askar 60F Flat-Field<\/a> (CHF 429, tax included): 60 mm APO quadruplet, full-frame flat field, 2.2 kg, ultra-portable. The f\/6.8 aperture is more than sufficient for the built-in guide scope to operate without a filter. With a CLS or UV\/IR-cut filter, the guide scope remains usable at f\/6.8.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mount<\/strong> : Choose from three compact Harmonic Drive mounts that support the entire assembly without a counterweight:\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/sky-watcher-wave-100i\/\">Sky-Watcher Wave 100i<\/a> (CHF 1,589, including tax): 10 kg without a counterweight, 15 kg with one, 4.3 kg. Lightweight and portable setup.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/zwo-am3n-avec-trepied-tc40\/\">ZWO AM3N with TC40 Tripod<\/a> (CHF 1,508, including tax): 8 kg without counterweight, 13 kg with counterweight, 5 kg. The ZWO (ASIAIR) ecosystem integrates the camera and mount into a single app.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/monture-equatoriale-pegasus-nyx-88\/\">Pegasus NYX-88<\/a> (CHF 1,699 including tax): 14 kg without a counterweight, 20 kg with, 5 kg. We tested it\u2014it\u2019s excellent. It has the highest capacity of the three, with an electronic brake on the RA axis and a 3-year warranty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With the ASI2600MC Air + 60F + a Harmonic Drive mount, the entire setup weighs less than 8 kg and fits in a bag. You just plug in the mount\u2019s power supply and the camera\u2019s power supply, and that\u2019s it. The ASIAIR smartphone app controls the camera, the guide scope, the mount, and autofocus. One Wi-Fi network, one app, and no USB cables to plug in.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The total<\/strong> : ASI2600MC Air (CHF 1,698) + 60F (CHF 429) + mount (CHF 1,508 to 1,699) = between CHF 3,635 and CHF 3,826 (including tax) for a complete cooled APS-C astrophotography setup, with an integrated guider and integrated control system. This is the price of a high-end smart telescope (Vaonis Atlas Twin, DWARFLAB Draco), but with a 26 MP cooled APS-C sensor, a precise guide scope, and the freedom to change lenses and mounts.<\/p>\n<h2>Why shop at Deep Space Astronomy?<\/h2>\n<p>We're not just a retailer. We test, advise, and provide support.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Personalized Advice<\/strong> : We can help you determine whether the ASI2600MC Air is compatible with your lens and filters. By phone, WhatsApp, or by appointment in Nyon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>After-Sales Support<\/strong> : Do you have a question about the setup, the guide, or ASIAIR? We're here to help.<\/li>\n<li><strong>14-Day Return Policy<\/strong> : Not satisfied? Return the product within 14 days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secure payment<\/strong> : Twint, credit card, invoice, Apple Pay, Bitcoin. Pay in 3 or 4 installments with no fees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Free shipping in Switzerland<\/strong> Starting at CHF 200. Free pickup in Nyon.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product\/zwo-asi2600mc-air\/\">The ZWO ASI2600MC Air is priced at CHF 1,698<\/a> (including tax) in our store. Check out the entire <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/marque\/zwo\/\">ZWO line<\/a> and our other <a href=\"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/product-category\/cameras\/ciel-profond\/\">deep-sky cameras<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><em>Price valid as of October 25, 2026; subject to change. The current price is listed on the product page in our store.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<p>This article is based on ZWO\u2019s official specifications and the product page in our store. The ASI2600MC Air received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from Sky at Night Magazine and was included by High Point Scientific in its 2026 astrophotography selection.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The ZWO ASI2600MC Air: a 26 MP APS-C cooled camera with a built-in guide camera and ASIAIR. CHF 1,698 (tax included). One housing, one cable. But the guide scope behind the filter: not an option with a C8 or an RC at full focal length.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":187,"featured_media":16858,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[827],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20335","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actualites"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20335","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/187"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20335"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20335\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20338,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20335\/revisions\/20338"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20335"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20335"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deep-space-astronomy.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20335"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}