Advanced IMX571 cooled APS-C camera for deep-sky imaging
Equipped with the Sony IMX571 APS-C sensor, the SkyEye26AM Plus (Mono) and SkyEye26AC Plus (Colour) offer a resolution of 26 MP, 3.76 μm Pixels and a 16-bit ADC for detailed, high-quality deep-sky imaging. Thanks to advanced two-stage TEC cooling with a temperature reduction of up to 43 °C, extremely low readout noise, amplifier-glow-free performance and 512 MB of DDR3 buffer memory, they ensure clean, stable images during long exposures.
IMX571 sensor: The ideal balance of resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range
- High resolution, wide field of view: The 26 MP APS-C sensor (6224 × 4168) offers a wide field of view whilst preserving fine details in galaxies, nebulae and star clusters.
- Back-illuminated for higher sensitivity: The advanced BSI architecture offers excellent quantum efficiency of >80% in the colour version and >91% in the monochrome version, enabling efficient light gathering for faint deep-sky objects.
- Extremely low noise, wide dynamic range: With a full-well capacity of up to 51 ke⁻ and a readout noise of just 0.77 e⁻ (monochrome) and 0.79 e⁻ (colour), the IMX571 offers an excellent dynamic range for capturing both faint structures and bright stellar details.
The SkyEye Plus series has been developed to cater for a wide range of astrophotography requirements. It offers both full-frame and APS-C cameras, giving users the flexibility to choose the sensor format that best suits their telescopes, objectives and workflow. From wide-field deep-sky photography to high-resolution imaging of faint celestial objects, the SkyEye Plus combines advanced sensors, deep cooling, low noise and high dynamic range to deliver consistently clean, detailed results.
SkyEye Plus has been specially developed for:
- Advanced deep-sky astrophotographers: Designed for experienced users, deep-sky enthusiasts and users of remote observatories who require high sensitivity, low noise, excellent dynamic range and reliable performance for demanding projects.
- Photographers with high-end optics and complete systems: Whether you’re using a compact telescope with an APS-C image circle or a premium optical system for full-frame coverage, the SkyEye Plus offers the right sensor format. Full-frame models maximise the field of view, whilst APS-C models offer an excellent balance of resolution, sensitivity and system compatibility.
4 USB ports for easier set-ups
The integrated 4-port USB hub (4x USB 2.0) allows direct connection of accessories such as filter wheels, guiding cameras and focusers, reducing cable clutter and simplifying set-up.
512 MB DDR3 high-speed buffer memory
With an integrated 512 MB DDR3 buffer, the SkyEye Plus series ensures stable USB 3.0 data transfer and prevents frame loss as well as transfer-induced amplifier glow. The camera supports digital binning from 1x1 to 8x8 (via stacking or averaging) as well as hardware binning from 1x1 to 3x3 (via averaging). On-sensor hardware binning offers significantly faster readout speeds and greater efficiency than software binning.
Zero-Amp-Glow technology
The SkyEye Plus series (except the SkyEye45AC) features a special circuit design without amplifier glow, which maintains a clean, perfectly uniform sensor background during exposures lasting several minutes and preserves even the finest details of delicate nebulae.
Anti-condensation heating
The optical window of the SkyEye Plus series features an integrated intelligent heating system that measures ambient temperature and humidity. It automatically applies precise heat to prevent condensation, keeping the optical path crystal clear without generating disruptive thermal air currents.
Two-stage TEC cooling
The camera utilises a powerful two-stage thermoelectric cooling system (TEC). By cooling to between -35 °C and -42 °C below ambient temperature*, the SkyEye Plus series keeps the sensor deeply and consistently cool, ensuring extremely low background noise during long-exposure shots.
Note: Cooling performance may vary depending on the model. Please refer to the technical specifications in the product manual.
Integrated tilt adjustment (tilter)
The SkyEye Plus housing is fitted with three sets of precision adjustment screws. These allow the sensor plane to be aligned with the focal plane of the telescope without the need for additional accessories, thereby ensuring uniform star imaging across the entire field of view.
Note: Avoid making drastic adjustments. Always loosen the opposite screw before turning an adjustment screw. For example, loosen the corresponding push screw (anti-clockwise) before tightening a pull screw (clockwise); otherwise, the mechanism could be damaged.
Contents of SkyEye Plus Series package:
- camera
- USB 3.0 data cable, USB-A to USB-B, 1.5 m long
- USB 3.0 data cable, USB-A to angled USB-B, 0.5m long
- M54m – M54f extension, 21 mm
- M54m – M54f extension, 16.5 mm
- M54m – M48f reducer ring
- Camera bag
- Hex key, 6 long and 6 short connecting screws (e.g. for mounting the filter wheel)
