[guodong]

Hi, Dave
Yes, the link is the manufacture ZWO who developed ASI webcam. The gold one is 130MM, which is less sensitive than 120MM. Anyone could buy directly from the link (better to contact them first), but their website says the free shipping to the end of 2012. I didn’t introduce much because I’m not the agent, and it is like an advertisement…
Both ZWO and QHY are Chinese companies, started by amateur astronomers. QHY has longer experience, which might start around 2003 and focused on cooled CCD. Of course, the guider QHY5 is very successful and has extensive users. ZWO started last year, initially focused on reflector telescopes and then moved to ASI webcam. I think both ASI120MM and QHY5L-II used the same COMS from their introductions, MT9M034.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=100350
Actually, ASI120MM appeared a little bit earlier on Chinese market, about in May, so I paid more attention to it, and QHY5L-II was about in Sep. But QHY must release the new product in Aus by the agent (QHY5L-II might come soon). To my needs, ASI120MM is better because it can be used to monitor the weather for a remote observatory by its wide angle lens (My final dream is to build a remote control system at my hometown in China and I can control it here in Aus, long way to go...). And during my trip, I will visit the city for academic issue where ZWO is, so I contact them and arranged the visit.
Cheers,

Originally Posted by naskies

Thanks for the tip! I had no idea about this company or these cameras prior to your post.

Quick question - is this the same product as what the manufacturer is listing for sale on Alibaba? It's apparently $298 USD including EMS shipping to Aus and a 150 degree wide angle lens.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/prod...647449237.html

There's also a gold coloured camera for $248 USD with slightly higher specs, but no bundled lens:

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/ZWO-A...521403546.html