13 replies to this topic

[aarons97]

Hello all,

 

I have a RedCat51 and I am looking to upgrade to a dedicated astro cam from my DSLR. The two options that stand out to me are the ZWO ASI533MC Pro and the ASI2600MC Pro. The 533 offers a smaller sensor which gives me a smaller FOV which would help for smaller targets, but the 2600 overall sounds like a better camera, and I could just crop the image for smaller targets. (Assuming they're not too small. But I assume that would be too small for either camera at that point.) Any input on the two would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!

[dx_ron]

Welcome to CN!

 

Both cameras have the same pixel size - only the field of view changes. If you can afford the larger sensor, that's what makes the most sense.

Edited by dx_ron, 22 April 2025 - 07:59 AM.

[StargazerLuigi]

I have a QHY268C (IMX571 based camera just like the ASI2600MC) attached to my RC51. I want as wide a field as possible since I have other, longer focal length options.

 

Did you face any tilt issues with your sample? I'm still working through those with my set up (but weather has not been cooperative).

[aarons97]

Welcome to CN!

 

Both cameras have the same pixel size - only the field of view changes. If you can afford the larger sensor, that's what makes the most sense.

Thanks!

 

So since both have the same pixel size, I'm getting the "same" image, just one includes more of the surrounding area? I'm not the most camera literate but I'm learning as I go.

[aarons97]

I have a QHY268C (IMX571 based camera just like the ASI2600MC) attached to my RC51. I want as wide a field as possible since I have other, longer focal length options.

 

Did you face any tilt issues with your sample? I'm still working through those with my set up (but weather has not been cooperative).

I'm still relatively new, but so far I haven't had any issues with my RC51/DSLR setup.

[StargazerLuigi]

Thanks!

 

So since both have the same pixel size, I'm getting the "same" image, just one includes more of the surrounding area? I'm not the most camera literate but I'm learning as I go.

Yes, you will be imaging at the same resolution but the field of view will be larger with the ASI2600MC. You can see this for yourself using a simulator, like this one:

 

https://astronomy.to...|1|0&messier=42

 

I set up the same object with the RC51 and both cameras you're considering.

Edited by StargazerLuigi, 22 April 2025 - 08:25 AM.

[soojooko]

At the 250mm focal length of your RedCat, there are not many targets that won't fit on the 533 sensor. If you can afford the 2600, that's the camera to go for - but you won't lose much if you go with the 533.

 

Where the 2600 wins hands down is if you get another telescope in the future with a longer focal length and want to use the same camera. With the 533, the sensor size starts to become a hindrance above 400mm.

[T.M.E.]

FWIW I have the 2600MC Pro paired with a Redcat 51 WIFD and have really enjoyed this combination. I agree the 533 would be fine but the 2600 is a more future proof purchase for larger focal lengths down the road, which is why I went that route.

[JF1960]

If you got the money, get the 2600.  If you need to go with the 533 it will work great.  I have been using the 533 for a while now with my RedCat51 and got great results.  If you do decide to image something smaller with the 2600 you can just crop the image down and you lose nothing at all.  A 2600 image cropped down to match the same resolution of a 533 is the exact same as shooting with a 533.  Here is my assessment of each:

 

Disadvantages of both

• The pixel size is under-sampled at 250mm focal length.  This will result in small stars looking a little square when zooming in really close.  Applying a 2x drizzle will make it much better

2600

 

Disadvantages

• Costs more
• Files are much bigger

Advantages

• Wider FOV, although not really necessary with RedCat51
• Future proof
• Guiding + ASIAir integrated version available

533

 

Disadvantages

• FOV may be too small if you upgrade to a longer focal length (400mm+)
• No Guiding + ASIAir integrated version available yet

Advantages

• Smaller file sizes
• Cheaper 

 

If you want to see samples of the FOV using RedCat51 and the 533MC you can look at my gallery on Astrobin.  All shots there were taken with this combo:
 

https://app.astrobin.../JF1960#gallery

Edited by JF1960, 22 April 2025 - 11:18 AM.

[Zambiadarkskies]

I totally agree with everyone saying that the 2600 (or 571 chip) gives you a degree of future proofing, but at the same time with such a wide field of view scope it's almost a shame not to start with a 571 if you can. There are a lot of very large nebula targets (and the tiny handful of large galaxies) that really benefit from that very wide combination.

[aarons97]

Thanks all for the info. I've decided on a 2600, now I just have to find one in stock lol. B&H has them in stock, but I can't pull the trigger until next week. Fingers crossed they stay in stock.

[sturgis_star_guy]

I think you'll be very happy with your decision.  It's a venerable camera with very little down-side, except cost.  Are you going color or mono?  

[aarons97]

I think you'll be very happy with your decision.  It's a venerable camera with very little down-side, except cost.  Are you going color or mono?  

I went with color. I ended up buying it today instead just in case it goes out of stock with all the shipping nonsense going on. 
 

I assume from your name you’re in Sturgis. I’m down in Rapid, are there any dark sky spots you recommend?

[sturgis_star_guy]

I went with color. I ended up buying it today instead just in case it goes out of stock with all the shipping nonsense going on. 
 

I assume from your name you’re in Sturgis. I’m down in Rapid, are there any dark sky spots you recommend?

Right about Sturgis.  There's an astronomy club in Rapid (SDBHAS.org) that I belong to and some of us imagers go out to RR Buttes in the Grasslands about an hour away from Rapid.  We have a star part scheduled for June 20th that you might want to consider attending.  It'll be at the observatory off Sturgis Rd going toward Blackhawk.  Hopefully you can bring out your new camera.