ZWO ASI174MM USB3.0 Mono - Professional Monochrome Astronomy Camera
Professional Astrophotography Solution
The professional **ZWO ASI174MM astronomy camera** represents a high-quality monochrome solution for demanding astronomers and astrophotographers. Equipped with an advanced Sony IMX174 CMOS sensor with 2.3 megapixel resolution, it offers exceptional image quality and versatile applications. Thanks to its monochrome design, it provides maximum sensitivity and image detail, which is a crucial advantage for astrophotography requiring high precision and image quality.
Compact and Robust Design
The camera's compact construction with dimensions of only 62mm in diameter and weight of 140 grams ensures easy installation on various types of telescopes. Robust design with operating temperature from -5°C to +45°C guarantees reliable operation even in demanding conditions. The camera is supplied with an AR protective window that ensures full transmission also in the infrared spectrum region, expanding observation possibilities.
Versatile Astronomical Applications
Planetary Photography
The versatility of the **ZWO ASI174MM camera** enables its use in a wide spectrum of astronomical applications. For planetary photography, it provides high frame rates up to 128 FPS at full resolution, which is ideal for capturing sharp details of planetary atmospheric structures. The large sensor with 1/1.2″ diagonal is excellent for overview shots of the Moon, where it can capture impressive details of craters and lunar seas.
Deep Sky Astrophotography
In deep space astrophotography, the camera surprises with its quality even without active cooling. The Sony IMX174 CMOS sensor offers excellent signal-to-noise ratio and low thermal noise, enabling quality imaging of nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters. The camera is also an excellent choice for autoguiding applications, where its sensitivity and precision ensure stable object tracking during long exposures.
Solar Observation
For solar observation (with appropriate safety filtering), the camera provides detailed shots of sunspots, granulation, and other solar phenomena. The wide exposure range from 32 microseconds to 1000 seconds covers practically all astronomical applications.
Technical Specifications
| Sensor |
Sony IMX174 |
| Sensor Type |
CMOS Monochrome |
| Resolution |
1936 x 1216 pixels (2.3 MP) |
| Pixel Size |
5.86 x 5.86 μm |
| Sensor Diagonal |
1/1.2″ |
| Maximum Frame Rate |
128 FPS (full resolution) |
| Exposure Range |
32 μs - 1000 s |
| Interface |
USB 3.0 |
| Dimensions |
62mm diameter |
| Weight |
140g |
| Operating Temperature |
-5°C to +45°C |
| Back Focus |
17.5mm (T2 thread) |
| Protective Window |
AR coated, IR transparent |
Connectivity and Compatibility
For optimal performance, connection via **USB 3.0 interface** is strongly recommended, ensuring fast data transfer and full utilization of camera capabilities. Compatibility is ensured with Windows 8 and newer operating systems, Mac OS X 10.8+, and Linux with kernel 2.6.31 and higher. The camera supports ROI (Region of Interest) function, which allows imaging only selected sensor areas to achieve even higher frame rates.
Included Accessories
Standard T2 thread with 17.5mm distance to sensor ensures compatibility with a wide range of astronomical accessories. The package includes adapters for:
- 2″ telescope connection
- 1.25″ telescope connection
- M42x0.75 thread
This covers most telescope configurations and mounting systems.
Professional Quality at Reasonable Price
This monochrome camera represents an ideal choice for astronomers seeking professional quality at a reasonable price. The combination of large Sony IMX174 sensor, high frame rate, and versatile applications makes it an exceptional tool for various types of astrophotography. The monochrome design provides maximum sensitivity and enables the use of specialized filters for narrowband astrophotography. Robust construction, low weight, and compact dimensions ensure easy handling and reliable operation. With this camera, you get a professional tool capable of competing with much more expensive solutions.
Why Choose ZWO Brand
ZWO is a leading Chinese manufacturer of astronomical cameras and accessories that has gained recognition from astronomers worldwide thanks to innovative solutions and exceptional price-to-performance ratio. The company was founded by astronomers for astronomers with a clear goal - to create affordable but quality tools for astrophotography. ZWO continuously invests in research and development, bringing technologically advanced products utilizing the latest CMOS sensors to market. The brand focuses on the needs of both beginner and advanced astrophotographers, and its products are valued for their reliability, ease of use, and excellent technical support worldwide.
