Cleaner Images
A full-frame sensor, cooled 30 °C below the night air.
Meet the team behind C42 and follow the research and field testing that shaped it.
US$900,000+raised
The Full-Frame Astrophotography System.
The Full-Frame Astrophotography System.
Cooled camera. Harmonic mount. ArcBlue OS. Built over 1,000 nights under the stars.
Get C42 product news, field tests and campaign updates.
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Continue to VIP Reservation →The Full-Frame Astrophotography System.
Cooled camera. Harmonic mount. ArcBlue OS. Built over 1,000 nights under the stars.
Get C42 product news, field tests and campaign updates.
You’re subscribed! Next, reserve your VIP offer with a refundable US$100 deposit.
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Continue to VIP Reservation →Meet the C42 System.
Seven parts, designed together and run by ArcBlue OS.
C42 Camera
Cooled full-frame · On-sensor guiding
HALO CAA
Third-axis framing
Your Lens or Telescope
From 14 mm to telescope focal lengths
Pulsar Mount
Harmonic drive · Encoder tracking
Magnetic Touchscreen
ArcBlue OS built in
Counterweight Battery
Balance and power in one
Tripod
Carbon fiber support for the camera and mount
What do you want to capture first?
C42 shoots both. Pick a starting point — you can switch anytime.
Better Photos, Less Effort.
Sharper Stars
On-sensor guiding and a harmonic mount hold exposures of at least 10 minutes.
Fits Your Lenses
Native Sony E, Canon EF or Nikon Z — or M68 for telescopes.
Faster Setup
The whole system snaps together in about 3 minutes, with 2 cables.
Fits in Your Carry-On
Camera and mount weigh about 3.5 kg.
ArcBlue OS
One system runs alignment, framing, shot planning and in-camera stacking.
Tested in Real Use.
Long-form reviews from astrophotographers who took C42 into the field. Videos in English.
ArcBlue C42 Astrophotography System: Hands on Review
ArcBlue C42: Testing Kickstarter's Most Hyped Smart Astro System
ArcBlue C42: What to Know Before You Buy | Co-Founder Q&A
Detailed Look at ArcBlue C42 - Full Frame Smart Astrophotography System
Can You Use ArcBlue C42 with A Telescope?
C42 in Action: Real Performance Demo
Upgrading Alpha Zhang’s Remote Observatory with the C42 Camera
See how the C42 Camera simplifies Alpha Zhang’s remote observatory setup.
C42 Astrophotography Setup in Under 3 Minutes
Follow the setup, polar alignment, and first capture sequence in under three minutes.
GWI™ Guiding at a Remote Observatory
C42 with a Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro mount and a 400mm f/5.6 lens at Haba Lake Observatory.
GWI™ Guiding with the Pulsar Mount
Feichen walks through two backyard setups and the recorded INDIGO guiding data.
Pulsar Payload & Balance Test
A recorded movement and balance test with a simulated 3.1 kg camera-and-lens load on the standard Pulsar.
Solar Eclipse Time-Lapse in Spain
A solar eclipse captured with the C42 system.
Lunar Eclipse at Crater Lake
A partial lunar eclipse time-lapse captured by Feichen at Crater Lake National Park.
Built for the Night Sky
Bring C42 Under Your Sky.
Choose your C42 System on Kickstarter.
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Continue to VIP Reservation →Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the ArcBlue C42 System?
The standard system includes the C42 camera, magnetic touchscreen, HALO camera angle adjuster, standard Pulsar mount, counterweight battery, carbon-fiber tripod and cables. Lens and telescope are not included. Kickstarter includes a complimentary 128 GB SSD, upgradeable to a maximum of 2 TB.
Can the camera and mount work separately?
Yes. C42 is modular: the camera and Pulsar Mount can work together as one guided imaging system or separately with compatible equipment you already own.
What does the automated workflow handle?
C42 brings alignment, tracking, guiding, live preview, capture control, and onboard image processing into one coordinated field workflow.
What kinds of optics can I use with the C42 Camera?
C42 is designed as an open optical system for compatible camera lenses and telescopes, allowing users to build for nightscape, deep-sky, or planetary imaging.
Does C42 support cooled long-exposure imaging?
Yes. Active TEC cooling is built for lower-noise long exposures, while the full-frame imaging pipeline supports high-volume FITS and DNG RAW workflows.
Can I preview and control a capture in the field?
Yes. The integrated touchscreen workflow supports live preview, capture control, and in-field monitoring without requiring a laptop for the core shooting process.
Why does the Pulsar Mount use three axes?
The tri-axis design combines tracking, pointing, and camera-angle control so framing and sky motion can be managed as one system.
Does the mount support guided tracking?
Yes. The C42 workflow combines encoder tracking and sensor guiding to support stable long-exposure capture.
Is the mount intended only for a permanent observatory?
No. Pulsar is designed for portable field use as well as backyard and remote-observatory workflows.
How much does ArcBlue C42 cost?
The C42 System reference price is approximately US$3,799, compared with an MSRP of US$4,999. The USD equivalent varies with exchange rates. Optional upgrades and shipping are extra. Check Kickstarter for availability and the final amount.
Where can I buy ArcBlue C42?
Use the official ArcBlue C42 Kickstarter campaign linked on this page to choose a reward and pledge. This website does not take new C42 system orders directly.
What do “back”, “pledge” and “reward” mean? Is this a pre-order?
“Back” means support the project, a “pledge” is your financial commitment, and a “reward” is the system or bundle you select. This is a way to reserve a future C42 through crowdfunding, rather than a conventional retail pre-order. C42 is still in development, so schedules can change and rewards are not guaranteed.
When will ArcBlue C42 ship?
First shipments are estimated to begin in February 2027. Timing depends on production, pledge order and logistics. After the campaign, complete the shipping survey and shipping payment. Installment pledges must be fully paid before shipment can be arranged.
Can I pay for C42 in installments?
If Kickstarter offers Pledge Over Time for your pledge at checkout, you can split it into three interest-free payments: one after successful campaign completion and two monthly payments. Eligibility and the payment schedule are shown by Kickstarter.
How can I contact support?
Email hi@arcblue.net with product, reservation, refund, or launch questions and the ArcBlue team will help you.
Warranty
- C42 Camera: 2-Year Warranty
- Pulsar Equatorial Mount: 2-Year Warranty
- Counterweight Battery: 1-Year Warranty
