Monochrome camera TS Optics ToupTek TS290mini autoguider
Looking for a camera that can serve as a reliable autoguider while also functioning as a fully capable astronomy camera for lunar, planetary and deep-sky imaging? The G3M290M (TS290mini) camera from TS Optics, built on the Sony IMX290 sensor, is exactly what you need. A compact 35 mm diameter body weighing just 70 grams houses an exceptionally sensitive monochrome sensor that will impress you with its performance both under dark skies and during demanding planetary work.
Sony IMX290 sensor - outstanding sensitivity and low noise
The monochrome camera with the Sony IMX290 sensor offers quantum efficiency exceeding 80%, a value achieved by very few astronomy cameras in its class. Pixels measuring 2.9 μm deliver high resolution while maintaining excellent sensitivity. A read noise of just 1.0 e- means the camera excels even at shorter exposures and in challenging low-light conditions.
The 1/2.8″ format sensor with dimensions of 5.6 mm x 3.1 mm and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (2.1 MP) supports both ROI (Region of Interest) for increased frame rates and full-frame capture at 126 frames per second - an ideal foundation for lucky imaging and stacking of planetary videos. The output is 12-bit, and the USB 3.0 interface ensures fast and reliable data transfer to computers running Windows, macOS or Linux.
Infrared sensitivity opens new imaging possibilities
The spectral sensitivity of the IMX290 sensor extends well beyond the visible spectrum deep into the infrared range. This opens the door to infrared astrophotography - images of Venus, Mars or surface details of the Moon captured in the IR spectrum are less affected by atmospheric seeing, resulting in sharper final images. The camera's entrance window features an anti-reflection coating and is transparent in the IR band, so no modification is required for IR photography.
Reliable autoguiding in any setup
Thanks to its extremely high sensitivity, you will almost always find a suitable guide star - whether you are using an off-axis guider or a classic 50 mm finder scope. The camera can handle guiding telescopes with an objective diameter of up to 11″. The 1.25″ standard body (M28.5 x 0.6 thread) slides directly into a focuser or off-axis guider, with a working distance from the front face to the sensor of just 13 mm, so achieving correct focus is not a problem even with shorter optical paths.
An ST4 port and cable are included in the package - simply connect the camera directly to the autoguider port of your mount and start guiding.
Planetary, lunar and deep-sky astrophotography
Planetary and lunar astrophotography benefits from the combination of high resolution, an extremely low read noise floor and 126 fps at full resolution. In a short time you can collect thousands of frames suitable for stacking. For deep-sky objects, the high sensitivity allows you to capture even fainter nebulae and galaxies - although the camera has no active cooling, it delivers excellent results for shorter exposures and guided shots under sufficiently dark skies.
- Minimum exposure time: 244 μs
- Maximum exposure time: 1000 s
- Full frame rate: 126 fps
- ROI mode available for even higher frame rates
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Sensor |
Sony IMX290 |
| Sensor type |
Monochrome |
| Sensor format |
1/2.8″ |
| Sensor dimensions |
5.6 mm x 3.1 mm |
| Resolution |
1920 x 1080 px (2.1 MP) |
| Pixel size |
2.9 μm |
| Quantum efficiency (QE) |
over 80% |
| Read noise |
1.0 e- |
| Output bit depth |
12-bit |
| Frame rate (full resolution) |
126 fps |
| Exposure range |
244 μs - 1000 s |
| Interface |
USB 3.0 |
| Guider port |
ST4 (cable included) |
| Body diameter |
35 mm |
| Weight |
70 g |
| Nosepiece standard |
1.25″ (M28.5 x 0.6 thread) |
| Back focus distance |
13 mm |
| Compatible operating systems |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Compatible software |
PHD2, SharpCap, FireCapture, Ekos/INDI |
| Cooling |
None (passive) |
TS Optics and ToupTek - quality at a great price
ToupTek cameras distributed by TS Optics represent an excellent performance-to-price ratio for astronomers who do not want to compromise on quality. Teleskop-Service (TS Optics) is an established European supplier of astronomical equipment with many years of experience and direct communication with the manufacturer. The result is a carefully selected range of models, verified compatibility with software such as PHD2, SharpCap, FireCapture and Ekos/INDI, and reliable availability of spare parts and accessories.
The TS290mini is therefore an excellent choice both for beginners looking for their first serious autoguider and for experienced astrophotographers who want a compact and powerful tool to add to their observing arsenal.
