Best Guide Cameras (January 2026)
Autoguiding is essential for achieving sharp, detailed astrophotography, especially during long exposures. A dedicated guide camera monitors your mount’s tracking accuracy and makes micro-corrections in real-time, eliminating star trailing and allowing you to capture those stunning deep-sky objects with pinpoint stars. Whether you’re just starting with a guide scope setup or configuring an advanced off-axis guider system, choosing the right guide camera will dramatically improve your imaging results.
When selecting a guide camera, several factors matter: sensor sensitivity (smaller pixels typically mean better guiding precision), frame rate (faster is better for quick corrections), and form factor (mini cameras for guide scopes versus full-size for off-axis guiders). Monochrome sensors are generally preferred over color because they’re more sensitive and don’t require the debayering process, resulting in faster, more accurate star detection. You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll be guiding through a separate guide scope or using an off-axis guider with your main imaging train.
This guide covers options from budget-friendly entry-level cameras perfect for beginners to premium solutions for the most demanding applications. Whether you have a few hundred dollars to invest or need professional-grade performance, there’s a guide camera here that will elevate your astrophotography game.
ZWO ASI120MM Mini
The ASI120MM Mini remains the most popular entry-level guide camera for good reason—it delivers reliable performance at an incredibly affordable price point. With its compact mini form factor, this monochrome camera is perfect for mounting on guide scopes without adding significant weight to your imaging train. The 1.2MP sensor with 3.75μm pixels provides excellent sensitivity for detecting guide stars, while the USB 3.0 connection ensures fast frame rates for responsive guiding corrections. This is the ideal first guide camera for anyone getting started with autoguiding.
ZWO ASI220MM Mini
Stepping up to the mid-range, the ASI220MM Mini offers enhanced precision with its smaller 2.4μm pixels, making it excellent for longer focal length systems where pinpoint accuracy matters most. This monochrome camera maintains the convenient mini form factor while delivering improved sensitivity thanks to its back-illuminated CMOS sensor design. The higher resolution combined with fast readout speeds makes it particularly well-suited for those who want to ensure the tightest possible guiding, especially when imaging at longer focal lengths above 1000mm where even tiny tracking errors become visible.
ZWO ASI290MM Mini
The ASI290MM Mini brings Sony’s highly-regarded IMX290 sensor to the guide camera market, offering exceptional sensitivity for finding guide stars even in light-polluted areas or when working with faint stars. With 2.9μm pixels and impressive low-light performance, this camera excels in situations where guide star selection might be challenging. The mini form factor keeps your guide scope setup balanced, while the fast frame rates ensure your mount receives corrections quickly enough to maintain tracking accuracy even in less-than-perfect seeing conditions.
QHY5III290M
QHY’s entry into the ASI290-based guide camera market offers an excellent alternative with robust construction and reliable performance. The QHY5III290M features the same excellent IMX290 sensor known for its sensitivity, packaged in QHY’s well-designed housing with secure USB-C connectivity. Many astrophotographers appreciate QHY’s build quality and customer support, making this a solid mid-range choice for those who want a dependable guide camera that will serve them well for years across multiple telescope setups.
QHY5III178M
The QHY5III178M strikes a nice balance between resolution and pixel size with its 3.0MP sensor and 2.4μm pixels, providing both precision and sufficient field of view for guide star selection. This camera is particularly well-regarded for off-axis guider applications where the smaller sensor pickup area means every bit of field coverage matters. The robust QHY construction and efficient cooling design help maintain consistent performance during long imaging sessions, making it a favorite among serious astrophotographers who demand reliability.
ZWO ASI174MM Mini
Moving into premium territory, the ASI174MM Mini features a larger 2.3MP sensor with 5.86μm pixels, making it especially well-suited for off-axis guider setups where the larger pixel size helps capture adequate light from the prism reflection. The mini form factor is perfect for tight imaging trains, while the global shutter eliminates the rolling shutter artifacts that can occasionally affect guiding accuracy. This camera represents an excellent investment for astrophotographers using off-axis guiders with faster optical systems or those who simply want the best possible guiding performance.
ZWO ASI174MM
The full-size ASI174MM offers the same excellent sensor as the Mini version but in a standard camera body that provides additional mounting options and a more robust ST-4 guiding port. The 5.86μm pixels and global shutter make this a top choice for off-axis guider applications, particularly with longer focal length systems where the larger sensor and pixels help ensure you can find adequate guide stars in the limited field of view. The premium build quality and excellent software support make this camera a workhorse that serious astrophotographers rely on night after night.
QHY5III174M
QHY’s premium guide camera option features the same sensor as the ASI174 series but with QHY’s signature build quality and design philosophy. The QHY5III174M excels in off-axis guiding applications, with its global shutter and larger pixels ensuring reliable star detection even in challenging situations. Many advanced astrophotographers appreciate the solid construction, reliable USB-C connection, and QHY’s excellent technical support. While positioned at the premium end of the guide camera market, it delivers professional-grade performance that justifies the investment.
ZWO ASI662MC
For those who prefer color guide cameras or want a versatile camera that can double as a planetary imaging camera, the ASI662MC offers excellent value. The 2.9μm pixels and color sensor provide good sensitivity for guiding while also enabling fun planetary observation and imaging sessions when you’re not doing deep-sky work. The budget-friendly price point makes this an attractive option for beginners who want flexibility or those setting up a second imaging rig without breaking the bank.
ZWO ASI585MC
The ASI585MC represents the premium color option with its back-illuminated sensor and excellent low-light performance. While color cameras aren’t typically the first choice for pure guiding applications, the ASI585MC’s sensitivity approaches monochrome levels, making it a viable option for those who want a multi-purpose camera. The 2.9μm pixels and fast readout speeds ensure solid guiding performance, while the color capability means you can use it for widefield imaging, planetary work, or all-sky monitoring when not guiding.
ZWO ASI432MM
For specialized applications requiring a larger format guide camera, the ASI432MM delivers with its 9.15MP sensor and excellent sensitivity. While oversized for traditional guiding, this camera excels in situations where you need both guiding capability and the option to use the same camera for imaging when working with shorter focal length systems. The premium price reflects its versatility and high-quality construction, making it ideal for advanced users who want maximum flexibility in their equipment configurations.
ZWO ASI1600MM
At the high end, the ASI1600MM represents a premium cooled camera that can serve double duty as both a guide camera and an imaging camera for specialized applications. With its 16MP sensor, excellent cooling system, and professional-grade construction, this camera is typically chosen by advanced astrophotographers who need ultimate flexibility in their equipment setup. While it’s overkill as a dedicated guide camera, its ability to handle multiple roles makes it an interesting option for those building high-end imaging rigs where versatility matters.
Conclusion
Choosing the right guide camera depends on your specific imaging setup and budget. For most beginners, the ASI120MM Mini offers unbeatable value and will serve you well through years of astrophotography growth. If you’re working with longer focal lengths or off-axis guiders, consider stepping up to cameras with smaller pixels like the ASI220MM Mini or models with larger pixels and global shutters like the ASI174 series. QHY’s offerings provide excellent alternatives with robust construction for those who appreciate their design philosophy. Remember that any of these dedicated guide cameras will dramatically improve your imaging compared to guiding-less tracking, so even the most budget-friendly option represents a worthwhile investment in your astrophotography journey.