ZWO ASI120MM Mini Monochrome Astronomy Camera
A Wonderful Choice for Guiding or Entry Level Astrophotography
Providing great performance at an affordable price, the ASI120MM Mini from ZWO is the perfect astrophotography camera for your guiding needs in 2026 and beyond! You can also employ this camera for entry-level planetary imaging thanks to its high sensitivity and impressive features. Get ready for low read noise, high dynamic range, an AR protective window, and plenty more with this ZWO ASI120MM Mini Guide Camera!
In comparison to the previous ASI120MM-S version, this ASI120MM Mini model is specifically designed to excel as a guide camera, boasting a sleeker, lighter body. Its 36 mm diameter frame slides into your guidescope or off-axis guider with ease, and the included 1.25” extender offers compatibility with a host of systems. The monochrome AR0130CS sensor helps maximize photon collection for a peak QE value of 80%, and its small ⅓” format is great for up-close views on the night sky. Also, enjoy streamlined connection with the USB2.0 Type C or ST-4 ports and get out and imaging in no time with the included USB and ST-4 cables!
The Perfect Off-Axis Guider Solution!
An additional benefit of the MINI is its small and sleek form factor and light weight, making it extremely portable. As well, it is able to reach focus at the same position as an eyepiece. This means you can focus with an eyepiece and then swap out the eyepiece for the ASI120MM Mini without needing to make any other adjustments. The ASI120MM Mini is well-suited for use as an off-axis guider (OAG). It has a much bigger focus range compared to normal ASI cameras, which allows your guide camera and main camera to be able to find focus at the same time.
AR0130CS Sensor
At the heart of this ZWO ASI120MM camera is the AR0130CS sensor. This tiny ⅓” (4.8 x 3.6 mm) sensor is perfect for planetary imaging and guiding purposes, helping you crop in on a small portion of the night sky. Its total of 1.2MP are arranged within a 1280 x 960 pixel array and feature 3.75 x 3.75 μm sized pixel wells. The 12 bit ADC and peak QE of 80% work to provide incredible detail, while the fast max framerate of 35 FPS assists with collection of the best data between bouts of poor seeing!
USB 2.0 & ST-4 Port
Two ports are included on this ZWO ASI120MM Mini. The USB 2.0 port enables connection to your laptop or WiFi camera control device such as the ZWO ASIAir (not included), and the convenient Type C configuration streamlines setup with its reversible, global fit. Two USB cables of 2m and 0.5m in length are included to help get you started. The additional port on this camera is an ST-4 guide port. This enables direct attachment to your equatorial mount for guiding purposes! An ST-4 cable also comes standard within the box.
Effortless Adaptation
Whether you are employing this ZWO ASI120MM Mini as a powerful guiding camera, a planetary imager, or adding a CS lens for widefield imaging, attachment is quick and easy. This camera inserts into your telescope’s focuser just as an eyepiece would, and a 1.25” extender is included if more backspacing is necessary. When using as a guide camera, focus can easily be achieved by shifting the camera in or out of your guidescope or your off-axis guider. For wide field imaging, adjoining a user-supplied CS lens is simple and straightforward thanks to the included M28.5-CS adapter!
Astronomy Hub: Your one-stop-shop for Astrophotography Knowledge!
Our Gear Experts have compiled a wealth of information to help expand your astrophotography knowledge! Below you’ll find links to articles, videos and "how-to" guides. Just one more reason that our Astronomy Hub is a one-stop-shop for all your astronomy and astrophotography needs!
| Off Axis Guiding |
| Why Exposure Time Matters |
| ZWO ASIAir Ultimate Guide |
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