ZWO ASIAIR Plus

Full review

The ZWO ASIAIR Plus is a dedicated astrophotography controller designed to simplify the often complex process of imaging the night sky, bringing together telescope control, camera operation, autofocus, plate solving, and autoguiding into a single, cohesive wireless hub. Built as a standalone Wi-Fi enabled device, it eliminates the need for a laptop at the telescope, allowing astrophotographers to control their entire imaging rig directly from a smartphone or tablet using the ASIAIR app. With dual USB3.0 ports, expanded onboard storage options, and improved processing power over its predecessor, the ASIAIR Plus is built to handle everything from planetary imaging to deep-sky astrophotography sessions that stretch late into the night.

At the heart of its appeal is the way it streamlines workflow for both beginners and experienced imagers. The device connects seamlessly with ZWO cameras, mounts, filter wheels, and focusers, while also offering broad compatibility with many third-party mounts through ASCOM-like integration. Features such as automatic polar alignment, plate solving for precise object targeting, and intelligent autoguiding via a guide camera take much of the guesswork out of setup, letting users get to imaging faster and with greater accuracy. The built-in sequencing tool allows for fully automated capture runs, adjusting exposure times, filters, and dithering patterns without requiring constant supervision, which is especially valuable during long deep-sky sessions capturing faint nebulae, galaxies, or star clusters.

Durability and portability are also central to its design, with a compact, weatherproof-conscious housing intended to withstand outdoor use in varying temperatures and humidity levels common during nighttime observing sessions. Its onboard cooling fan helps maintain stable operating temperatures during extended imaging runs, reducing the risk of overheating that can affect performance. Because it operates independently of a full computer setup, the ASIAIR Plus is particularly well suited for astrophotographers who image from remote dark-sky locations or backyard setups alike, offering a reliable, dedicated solution that keeps the focus on capturing the cosmos rather than troubleshooting software or cable clutter.