This is a truly innovative next step with some very real benefits. Firstly it eliminates the need for a separate guide scope or off-axis guider, and of course guide camera. It also means separate focusing for the guide camera is totally eliminated. If you previously used an off-axis guider, you save the 20mm or some from the imaging train which makes achieving back-focusing easier. Also, if you use something like a RASA, you can now do in-line guiding with no additional obstruction in the imaging path and no need for a separate guide-scope. The elimination of the USB cable from camera to mount is also a big benefit for the RASA. Also, taking out all those extra components and cable reduces weight which means this is an ideal camera for portable set-ups. I share the same concerns that integrating the whole controller into the camera limits upgrade-ability. I think for higher end camera’s such as ASI6200MM/MC (I have both), I would love to see just the guide camera integrated, since that is where most of the benefits lie, and also, I occasionally want to use a different controller with more sophisticated software such as NINA. Overall though fantastic innovation by ZWO once again! This is the only company truly pushing the boundaries for truly ‘joined up thinking’ on astro-photography!
My worry is it would have issues with filters since the guide camera is behind them. Also if I decide to do mono I have to replace everything not just the camera
I have the 2600 mc duo and have used the color magic filters and still only need 1/2 second intervals for guiding with my AM3 and usually guide at .4 ish. I was worried myself when I first bought it but haven't had any issues
Can you comment or demonstrate on guiding performance through a 3nm filter such as the Optolong L-Ultimate? I've seen nothing to indicate that it would be successful, and this is the only thing holding me back.
I use the duo (same guide can setup) and use the color magic filters with no issues at all with .5 sec guide and average less than .5 arc for guiding. Hope that helps
It’s cool to have it all in one, but does not work with anything other than zwo (unlike their zwo dedicated cameras). Not to mention what happens if one thing breaks, heat generation etc.. It’s a big fat nope 👎.
Yes, it’s annoying to see all these cheering and hoorays without a little criticism and/or warning. They all are afraid that ZWO may not send them their next product for review.
1. I assume you are locked into the ZWO ecosystem. In that case I need to buy a ZWO mount 2. I would like to see you go through a simple workflow demonstrating starting plate solving and live stacking. 3. List of scopes or at least specify range of focal ratio and apertures the 2600 will be compatible. I'm not an astrophotographer but I doubt this this camera will pair with my F15 Mak AP even EAA is technical. The devil is in the details not the slick sales pitch. What works with what is important at least to me.
