ASI178MC Pier Cam Image
A pier or all-sky camera is a color astro camera with a fish-eye lens that is attached to your pier in such a way as to give you a view of your rig )albeit from the bottom of your pier) and of the sky above. You access your pier camera using software like ASICap, which is part of ASIStudio.
Here are some suitable cameras to be used as pier cams, along with their prices as of mid-2026. These are all ZWO cameras:
ASI662MC (2MP, $179)
ASI664MC (4MP, $349)
ASI715MC (8.5MP, $229)
ASI678MC (8.3MP, $349)
ASI676MC (12.6MP, $399)
Of these the ASI662MC is most common, and the ASI678MC is the most common higher-resolution camera.
Discontinued ZWO models that should work (original prices may not be accurate):
ASI178MC (6.4MP, originally $269)
ASI185MC (2.3MP, originally $329)
ASI385MC (2.1MP, originally $299)
ASI120MC (1.2MP, originally $149)
ASI120MC-S (1.2MP, originally $209)
ASI224MC (1.2MP, originally $149)
ASI290MC (2.1MP, originally $299)
Of the discontinued models, the ASI178MC is particularly good.
You may be able to find used versions of these cameras on Cloudy Nights or some other used equipment site. Make sure the camera you purchase, whether new or used, includes a 150° or 170° CS mount lens. These can be purchased separately if you find a used camera that doesn't come with one.
Each of these cameras will accommodate a 1/4" mounting bolt. Typically we use a trail cam mount such as the Upperosey TreeDude4, available on Amazon for about $16. Look for a mount that uses a strap rather than one that has to be screwed into a tree. Needless to say, we can't screw those into a steel pier.
ASI678MC Pier Cam Image