ASI120MINI

Camera Sensor

The ASI120MM Mini camera integrates the AR0130CS 1/3″ sensor (4.8 mm x 3.6 mm). It is a new model in the “mini”-series of cameras from ZWO. This camera has 1280 x 960 pixels with a pixel size of 3.75 μm x 3.75 μm. It provides 12-bit ADC and the QE peak is almost 80%.

Astrophotography Performance

The ASI120 mini-camera offers you very good performance for planetary imaging as well as for guiding. Low read noise, high dynamic range, AR protective window and much more are just some of the key characteristics that set it apart from the competition.

High QE

120Mini VS 120MM-S

Compared with the ASI120MM-S camera, the new 120-Mini has a sleeker design, less weight, and it can reach focus at the same position as an eyepiece.

In the Box

ASI174MINI

ASI174MM Mini camera integrates Sony IMX249 1/1.2″ sensor (11.3 mm x 7.1 mm). It is the first model in the “mini”-series of cameras from ZWO. This camera has 1936 x 1216 pixels with a pixel size of 5.86 μm x 5.86 μm.  It camera provides 12-bit ADC and its QE peak is 77%.

Astrophotography Performance

ASI174MM mini camera offers you very good performance for planetary imaging as well as for guiding. Low read noise, high dynamic range, AR protective window and much more are just some of the key characteristics that set it apart from the competition.

High QE

174Mini vs. 174MM

Compared with the ASI174MM camera, the new 174-Mini has a sleeker design, less weight, and it can reach focus at the same position as an eyepiece.

USB2.0Port & ST4 Port

USB 2.0 Port: Mini camera has one USB2.0 type-C port. Type-C port is very popular in mobile phones, as it doesn’t matter which way you connect it (unlike for example type-A or type-B)

#USB-C to USB-A cable is required.

ST4 Port: The camera can be connected directly to the auto-guider port of the mount.

Connecting Drawing

1. M28.5-CS adapter
2. CS-C adapter(optional)
3. 1.25″ extender
4. 1.25″ filter(optional)

Mechanical Drawing

What is in the box?

ASI120, ASI174 and ASI290 mini camera have very beautiful outlooks, small size, light weight, this is not a big deal.

We should consider much more…

ASI120, ASI174 and ASI290 mini-cameras all have an appealing design, small size, light weight and much more. And while we are very pleased with the looks of our products, of course what matters the most is how well they perform in their intended use…

How to choose a good guide camera?

Many people might mention the size, ability to fit with different types of equipment (guide scopes, OAG etc.), stability and ease-of-use.

We agree. That is why our cameras in the “mini”-series all fulfill these, what we think are, basic characteristics of a good guide camera.

But what are truly the most important traits. Let’s face it, when you set up your equipment for a night of imaging, you just want things to work and to see that smooth graph on your guiding software before you start your imaging sequence. In order to do that, there are some things to consider (apart from the points mentioned above):

• Sensitivity,
• Precise guiding,
• Big FOV.

High Sensitivity

Sensitivity is the first thing we considered. This is of course a crucial ability when looking for a star to guide on. So, from the beginning, we were set on using monochrome sensors to design our guide cameras. Because monochrome sensors have much higher sensitivity than their colour counterpart. Luckily the ASI120MM Mini, ASI290MM Mini and ASI174MM Mini all have very high QE peak value – about 80%, which can detect more stars in view and shorten the exposure time in guiding.

Each of the cameras have their own strength and depending on what you value in a guide camera, one might be better for you than the others.

Entry Level

ASI120MM Mini is designed for newcomers, it is more affordable than ASI290MM Mini and ASI174MM Mini. You can easily get the well-sampled stars with the help of ASI120MM Mini. It’s light, compact and robust. If you are still wondering about which one you should choose as your first guide camera, the ASI120MM Mini is a very good choice.

Precisely Guiding

ASI290MM Mini is designed for precise guiding. The 2.9um pixel size gives you a higher arcsec/pixel than the ASI224 or ASI120 camera. This means that, in the same guide scope, the ASI290MM Mini can detect movement of stars to a higher degree than the other cameras. ASI290MM Mini will improve your guiding precision with around 30% compared to the ASI120MM Mini.

Big FOV

ASI174MM Mini is designed for large field-of-view guiding. This is very useful when looking for a star to guide on, using an OAG. When you use an OAG-guider with a Ritchey-Chretien or Schmit-Cassegrain telescope, the hardest part is to find a suitable guide star. ASI174MM Mini has a larger 1/1.2″ sensor which means your FoV is 4 times bigger than that of the ASI120MM Mini.

Smiling Face

If you squint your eyes, the back of the ASI mini-camera looks like a smiling face (albeit you have to squint quite hard).  On the back you will find a type-C USB port, which is widely used in mobile phones. The ST4-port is used for auto-guiding on mounts. So if you are having one of those observing nights when Murphy’s law is by your side, at least you’ll have an excellent guide camera (that smiles at you).

Focus like a eyepiece

ASI mini camera can focus at the same position as an eyepiece. This means that you can focus with an eyepiece, and then directly insert the ASI mini camera into 1.25″ holder – focus done!

Work with OAG

The Mini-camera series are well suited for OAG use: They have a much bigger focus range than normal ASI cameras. No more worrying about your guide camera and main camera not being able to find focus at the same time.

Work with CS adapter and CS lens

Work with 1.25″ extender

1.1 How can I check the shipping cost for my order?
You can add the items you want to your shopping cart, enter your country/state/city/postal code, and then view the shipping options and costs on the cart page. Before checkout, you can choose your preferred shipping speed/method/carrier.

You can also contact us and send us the item model, quantity, and shipping requirements. We will calculate the accurate shipping cost for you and inform you accordingly.

1.2 How are free shipping items delivered?
Items marked as "Free Shipping" on the product page mean you do not need to pay any shipping fees. This usually applies to buyers from any country (except for certain special countries or regions).

For free shipping items, buyers cannot choose the shipping method. We will select the shipping method based on the destination country.
Typically, we use standard surface shipping methods such as 4PX, EMS, or local postal services.
We may also use UPS, FedEx, DHL, Aramex, etc., depending on the specific order and country. The final choice is at our discretion. Regardless of the shipping method used, we will notify you upon dispatch and provide a tracking number and tracking website.

• Standard tracking website: https://www.17track.net/en
• UPS: https://www.ups.com/
• FedEx: https://www.fedex.com/
• DHL: https://www.dhl.com/

Please note: If you return an item (excluding quality issues or incorrect items), you will be charged for all shipping costs incurred, including delivery, return, and customs fees.

1.3 What if I want to specify a shipping method for a free shipping item?
If you want to specify a particular shipping method (e.g., UPS or DHL) for a free shipping item, please contact us before placing your order. You will need to pay additional shipping fees, and we will ship via your preferred method.

1.4 What if I buy multiple items, some with free shipping and some that require shipping fees?
You can place your order as usual. You only need to pay shipping fees for the non-free shipping items.
If you want to specify a shipping method or have other special requests, please contact us.

1.5 How long does it take to ship my order?
After receiving your order, we need some time to process it.
Orders received before 5:00 PM China time will be shipped within 3 days.
Orders received after 5:00 PM China time will be shipped within 4 days.
Orders placed during Chinese public holidays may be delayed by 1–2 days (due to courier holidays).

1.6 When will I receive my package?
Delivery time varies depending on the shipping method used:

• 4PX, Postal Services, EMS, etc.: about 15–25 days
• UPS: about 7–15 days
• FedEx: about 7–10 days
• DHL: about 5–9 days

These are estimated times. Actual delivery is subject to the carrier's schedule.

If your package tracking has not been updated for a long time, please contact us.
If you haven't received your package after a long period, please contact us.
If there are any other irregularities, please contact us.

Please note:
After we ship your package, it may take 2–3 days for tracking information to become available.
Based on our experience, packages shipped to South America and Central Asia typically take longer.
Shipping around public holidays may result in delays due to carrier workload.

If delays occur, we kindly ask for your patience and understanding. We share the same desire as our customers—we hope every package is delivered quickly and safely.

If you want a faster and more secure delivery, we strongly recommend choosing UPS, FedEx, or DHL.

1.7 What does it mean when tracking shows "Label Created" but the order hasn't shipped yet?
When we provide a tracking number, your package has already left our warehouse.
However, the tracking status may show "Label Created" or "Awaiting Package" because the package is still en route to the courier's sorting facility.
Due to China's vast geography, transit between cities can span over 1,000 km, so it takes time.
It may also be undergoing export customs clearance. Your package should be delivered soon.

If your tracking status doesn’t update for a long time, please contact us.

1.8 What if my package needs special delivery instructions or other requests?
If your shipment requires an invoice to be attached, special packaging, delayed dispatch, or other requests, please contact us.
We will do our best to accommodate your needs and provide the best service possible.

1.9 About receiving the package
Whether you sign for the package personally or through a representative, it is considered as acceptance of the package, the quantity, and the included items.
To protect your rights, we strongly recommend recording a video while opening the package and verifying it against the order and packing list.

1.10 I don’t live in China. Can I have my order shipped to a Chinese address?
Yes, you can. Just place your order and provide a Chinese recipient address.
For orders shipped within China, we do not charge any shipping fees. If your item shows a shipping fee, please contact us to have the fee waived.

You are responsible for all applicable taxes and fees that may be imposed by your country or region, including but not limited to import duties, value-added tax (VAT), customs handling fees, and other similar charges.

These import duties, VAT, and customs fees are not included in our product prices or shipping charges.
We have no control over, and cannot predict, these charges or how they will be collected—whether they will be charged at the time of delivery or through other means.

Customs policies vary greatly by country. Some countries (such as Brazil, India, etc.) strictly enforce high duties and additional taxes.

It is your responsibility to check with your local customs office before purchase to determine what additional costs may apply.

Customs fees are usually charged by your local courier or postal service, often at the time of delivery or pick-up. The shipping carrier (especially UPS) may also charge brokerage or clearance fees for handling customs on your behalf. These are not unpaid shipping charges and must be fully covered by you.

If the package is returned, held, or destroyed due to the buyer’s refusal or failure to pay customs duties, any resulting costs will be borne entirely by the buyer. These costs will be deducted from your refund.

1.1 What is your return policy?
I ordered the wrong item/size, or I changed my mind—can I return it?
I received the item but decided I don’t like it—can I return it?
I received the item but found it’s not suitable for me, or I found a better option—can I return it?

In the above cases, we accept returns within 30 days of receiving the item, provided that the product is in brand new and unused condition.

• Buyers must apply for a return and send the product back to us within 30 days of receipt.
• You are responsible for all return shipping costs.
• We will deduct the original shipping cost incurred to deliver the item to you.
• We will deduct 4% for credit card or PayPal transaction fees.
• If you choose to receive a store credit instead of a refund, we will waive this 4% fee.
• If the returned item shows signs of use, a handling fee may be charged.

If the returned item is damaged, missing parts, or shows excessive wear, we reserve the right to reject the return and no refund will be issued.

1.2 Where should I send the return?
Please contact us for the correct return shipping address. (The return address may not be located in Mainland China.)
Please ensure the item is properly packaged and that the original product packaging is not damaged.

Important: Do NOT return the product to the sender’s address shown on the parcel. You must contact us first to obtain the correct return address. Unauthorized returns may be lost or undeliverable—any such loss will be fully borne by the buyer.

1.3 Can I return or exchange the item after 30 days?
For any reason, we do not accept returns or exchanges after 30 days.
30 days is considered a very reasonable and standard return period for online purchases.

1.4 What if I received a wrong or defective item?
Please contact us within 3 days of receiving the item and provide photo evidence or a clear description of the issue. We will promptly send a replacement item.

If you return the item to us:

• Please use the least expensive shipping method.
• We will reimburse part of the shipping fee from your original order as compensation.

If you’re unable to return the item or don’t know how to ship it, please contact us—we may provide a free return shipping label.

1.5 How will I receive my refund? How long does it take?
We will process the refund within 7 days of receiving your returned item.
Refunds are usually issued via the original payment method.
Processing the refund involves internal verification and approval by management, so we appreciate your understanding and patience.