Best Kenko Telescopes: Review and Comparison
As we venture into the cosmos in 2024, Kenko continues to shine in the world of astronomical telescopes. Renowned for melding innovation with quality, Kenko's telescopes offer something special for everyone, from stargazing newbies to seasoned astronomers.
In this guide, we'll be diving deep into the specifics of Kenko's top models. We'll explore the unique features and functionalities that set these telescopes apart, ensuring you find the perfect celestial companion.
If you're pressed for time, here's our pick of the Top 2 Kenko telescopes:
Kenko Telescopes: Buyer’s Guide
In the enchanting world of astronomical observation, Kenko emerges as a distinguished brand, offering telescopes that blend innovation, quality, and user-friendliness. Catering to a wide array of enthusiasts, from curious beginners to more seasoned sky watchers, Kenko's range of telescopes is designed to elevate your stargazing experience to new heights.
Understanding the nuances of choosing the right Kenko telescope is crucial. Here, we delve into key aspects to consider, drawing upon examples from Kenko models like the New Sky Explorer SE150N and the Sky Walker SW-0.
Aperture: The Gateway to the Stars
Drawing from our experience, we emphasize that the aperture of a telescope – the diameter of its primary lens or mirror – is fundamental in determining its observational power. This key feature dictates the amount of light the telescope captures, significantly influencing the brightness and clarity of images. Larger apertures are capable of revealing finer details and fainter celestial objects, rendering them ideal for deep-sky exploration.
However, a larger aperture often means a larger, heavier telescope. The New Sky Explorer SE150N, with its impressive 150mm aperture, offers exceptional light-gathering capability, suitable for detailed lunar, planetary, and deep-sky observations. In contrast, the Kenko Sky Walker SW-0, with a more modest 50mm aperture, is designed for portability and ease of use, especially appealing to beginners and younger users.
Optical Design: Refractors and Reflectors
Kenko telescopes come in two main optical designs: refractors and reflectors. Refractors, like the Sky Walker SW-0, use lenses and are known for their sharp, contrast-rich images. They are generally more durable and require less maintenance. Reflectors, such as the Sky Explorer SE150N (new), use mirrors and are typically more affordable, offering larger apertures for the same cost. However, they may require more frequent alignment (collimation).
Each design has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your observation preferences and the types of celestial bodies you aim to explore.
Mount: Stability and Tracking
Through our practical knowledge, we understand that a stable and appropriate mount is crucial for any astronomical observation. Kenko telescopes come with various mount types, each tailored to different observation styles. The New Sky Explorer SE150N, for example, features an equatorial mount, ideal for tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky, making it a great choice for more serious stargazers and astrophotographers.
The Sky Walker SW-0, on the other hand, may feature a simpler alt-azimuth mount, more suited to beginners and casual observers due to its straightforward operation.
Ease of Use and Portability
Especially important for beginners and young astronomers, ease of use and portability are key factors. Kenko telescopes like the Sky Walker SW-0 are designed to be lightweight and easy to assemble, making them great for impromptu stargazing sessions and educational purposes.
Customization and Accessories
Customization options enhance the versatility of a telescope. The MOEBIUS model, for instance, is notable for its compatibility with BORG parts, allowing for significant customization. Accessories like Barlow lenses, various eyepieces, and filters can extend the capabilities of your telescope. Some Kenko models also offer smartphone adapters for astrophotography enthusiasts.
Choosing a Kenko telescope is about finding the right balance between your astronomical interests, experience level, and practical considerations like portability and budget.
Best Kenko Telescope Models: TOP 3
Here are the top current Kenko telescope models that you can find on the market:
- High-precision 150mm parabolic mirror
- Equatorial mount ideal for tracking
- Lightweight and portable at 5.7 kilograms
- Includes a bright and easy-to-use 9x50 finder
- Thin blade type spider enhances resolution and image sharpness
- Achromatic lens reduces chromatic aberration
- Modular design allows customization with BORG parts
- Peep hole finder simplifies celestial object alignment
- Compatible with various lens filters
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy assembly with one-touch tripod
- Dual use for starry sky and ground observations
- Smartphone compatibility
- Includes a range of accessories
Kenko Telescopes Comparison
For easy comparison, here is a table of specifications of the best Kenko telescopes:
| Specification | New Sky Explorer SE150N | MOEBIUS 55 | Sky Walker SW-0 |
| Optical Type | Reflective (Parabolic Mirror) | Refractor | Refractor |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 150 mm | 55 mm | 50 mm |
| Focal Length | 750 mm | 360 mm | 360 mm |
| Telescope Mount | Equatorial Mount | N/A (Compatible with BORG parts) | Across |
| Finderscope | Reflex | Peep hole type | Reflex |
| Eye Piece Lens | Plossl | N/A | Plossl |
| Weight | 5.7 kg | N/A | 340 g (Optical Tube) |
| Additional Features | High magnification for lunar, planetary, nebulas, and star clusters | Customizable with BORG parts, compact for carrying, high-quality vision with straight helicoid focusing | Compact and lightweight, easy assembly, suitable for kids, smartphone compatibility |
| Included Accessories | Finder, eyepiece | 0.8 inch (20 mm) eyepiece, electric prism | 5x24 finder, 3 Eyepieces (4mm / 12.5 mm / 20 mm), 3x Barlow lens, Zenith mirror, Upright prism, Tripod, Planisphere |
Now let's take a closer look at each of the Kenko telescope models.
Kenko New Sky Explorer SE150N
Best Overall
The Kenko New Sky Explorer SE150N telescope is an impressive astronomical tool designed for both amateur and professional astronomers. This 150mm reflector telescope boasts several features that make it an attractive option for stargazing and celestial observation.
At the heart of the telescope is a 5.9-inch (150mm) high-precision parabolic mirror, expertly crafted to correct aberrations and provide a sharp, central image reminiscent of Newtonian reflector telescopes. The large objective lens diameter of 150 millimeters enhances its capability to gather light, making it ideal for viewing a variety of celestial objects. Whether it's the moon, planets, nebulas, or star clusters, this telescope's excellent light collection allows for high magnification and clear, detailed observations.
The telescope is equipped with an equatorial mount, which is ideal for tracking celestial objects as they move across the sky. This type of mount is particularly useful for astrophotography and long-duration observations. Additionally, the Kenko SE150N features a reflex finderscope, a 9x50 finder that is bright and easy to read, helping users locate celestial objects quickly and accurately. The finderscope includes a magenta coated achromatic lens for a bright and sharp image, and its XY axis adjustment system simplifies the process of targeting celestial objects.
The telescope's design also features a unique 0.5mm thin blade type spider for the diagonal support, enhancing image sharpness and resolution. This is a crucial aspect for those who value high-resolution images in their astronomical observations.
In terms of practicality, the Kenko SE150N weighs 5.7 kilograms, making it reasonably portable for a telescope of its capabilities. It also includes a tripod screw tube band for camera mounting, allowing for simultaneous observation and astrophotography. This feature is particularly appealing for photographers and astronomers who want to capture images of the night sky.
The product comes with several accessories, including a 0.4 x 2.0 inches (9 x 50 mm) finder and eyepieces (PL10 x PL25 mm), enhancing its usability right out of the box. The eyepiece size of Φ1.2 inches (31.7 mm) is compatible with a T-mount adapter (sold separately), offering further versatility in terms of accessory options.
Pros:
- High-precision 150mm parabolic mirror provides sharp, clear images
- Equatorial mount ideal for tracking and astrophotography
- Lightweight and portable at 5.7 kilograms
- Includes a bright and easy-to-use 9x50 finder for easy object location
- Thin blade type spider enhances resolution and image sharpness
Cons:
- May be complex for beginners to set up and use
- T-mount adapter for eyepiece not included
- Limited accessories provided with the telescope
Summary: As indicated by our tests, the Kenko New Sky Explorer SE150N is a well-equipped reflector telescope that offers excellent image quality and versatility for both amateur and professional astronomers. Its combination of a high-precision mirror, equatorial mount, and user-friendly features make it a valuable tool for exploring the wonders of the night sky. Its lightweight design and portability are added advantages, though beginners might find it slightly complex initially. Overall, this telescope is a solid choice for those looking to dive deep into astronomical observations and photography.
- High-precision 150mm parabolic mirror provides sharp, clear images
- Equatorial mount ideal for tracking and astrophotography
- Lightweight and portable at 5.7 kilograms
- Includes a bright and easy-to-use 9x50 finder for easy object location
- Thin blade type spider enhances resolution and image sharpness
Kenko MOEBIUS 55
Author's Choice
The MOEBIUS 55 boasts a refractable 2.2 inch (55 mm) aperture telescope tube equipped with an acromatic lens. This lens is specifically designed to reduce chromatic aberration, a common issue in telescopes that can cause color fringing around bright objects. The result is clearer, sharper images that are crucial for both celestial observation and astrophotography.
One of the defining features of the MOEBIUS series is its modular design. The telescope adopts a divided cylindrical system, allowing users to customize it according to their preferences. This system is compatible with a range of BORG telescope or telephoto lens parts, available separately. Such customization options open up a world of possibilities, from enhancing observational capabilities to tailoring the telescope for specific photographic needs.
The MOEBIUS 55 is also equipped with a peep hole type finder, designed for ease of use. This finder simplifies the process of aligning the telescope with celestial objects, making it more user-friendly, especially for beginners or those transitioning from simpler telescope models.
Furthermore, the telescope's objective lens can be fitted with a 2.3 inch (58 mm) diameter lens filter. This feature is particularly beneficial for astrophotography, as different filters can be used to enhance certain features of celestial objects or to reduce light pollution.
The telescope body is primarily constructed from aluminum shavings, ensuring both durability and a lightweight design. It mimics the appearance and performance of BORG's top models, lending a professional and sleek aesthetic to the MOEBIUS.
The MOEBIUS 55 maximizes its effective diameter to provide a higher quality image. It avoids the use of tin foil found in comparable telescopes, enhancing the clarity and brightness of the images. The telescope features a helicoid type focusing mechanism. This design is particularly advantageous when attaching a camera to the telescope, ensuring stability and precision in astrophotography.
Pros:
- Achromatic lens reduces chromatic aberration for clearer images
- Modular design allows customization with BORG parts
- Peep hole finder simplifies celestial object alignment
- Compatible with various lens filters for astrophotography
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
Cons:
- Platform and tripod not included
- May require additional investment in BORG parts for customization
- Manual focus might be challenging for beginners
Summary: We have found from using this product that the Kenko MOEBIUS is a versatile and user-friendly telescope, ideal for both astronomical observation and astrophotography. Its acromatic lens and modular design, combined with the ease of the peep hole finder and the durability of its construction, make it a valuable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. While it requires additional investment for full customization and may pose a learning curve for beginners, its overall performance and adaptability make it a standout choice in its class.
- Achromatic lens reduces chromatic aberration for clearer images
- Modular design allows customization with BORG parts
- Peep hole finder simplifies celestial object alignment
- Compatible with various lens filters for astrophotography
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
Kenko Sky Walker SW-0
Best Budget
The Kenko Sky Walker SW-0 Refracting Telescope emerges as an exceptional tool for both celestial and terrestrial observations, blending compactness, ease of use, and versatility. This telescope is designed to cater to a wide audience, ranging from beginners in astronomy to those more experienced in the field.
At its core, the Kenko SW-0 is a refractor telescope with a focal length of 14.2 inches (360 mm) and an objective lens diameter of 2.0 inches (50 mm). These specifications are conducive to clear and detailed views of the moon, planets, and terrestrial objects. The refractor optical type is known for its ability to produce high-quality images with minimal chromatic aberration.
The telescope's mount, the Across mount, is known for its stability and ease of use, making it particularly suitable for beginners. The caliber ratio of 1:7.2 strikes a balance between a wide field of view and sufficient magnification, suitable for a variety of observational interests.
One of the SW-0's standout features is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing just 340 grams and measuring 340mm in length, it's portable and easy to handle, even for children. This makes it an ideal choice for family outdoor adventures or educational purposes.
The telescope is user-friendly, featuring easy assembly with a one-touch tripod. This design simplifies the setup process, making it more accessible to those who are new to telescopes. Included in the package are several accessories that enhance its usability: a 5x24 finder, three eyepieces (4mm, 12.5mm, and 20mm), a 3x Barlow lens, a zenith mirror for astronomical observation, an upright prism for terrestrial observation, and a sturdy tripod.
A unique aspect of the SW-0 is its compatibility with smartphones, allowing users to attach their devices for astrophotography. This feature enables enthusiasts to capture and share their astronomical discoveries easily.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel and children
- Easy assembly with one-touch tripod, beginner-friendly
- Dual use for starry sky and ground observations
- Smartphone compatibility for astrophotography
- Includes a range of accessories for versatility
Cons:
- Small aperture limits deep-sky observations
- Manual focus may be challenging for beginners
- Limited to basic observing capabilities
Summary: Our analysis of this product revealed that the Kenko Sky Walker SW-0 is an excellent entry-level telescope, striking a balance between portability, ease of use, and versatility. While it's well-suited for basic astronomical and terrestrial viewing, its small aperture and manual focusing system may limit advanced observational ambitions. However, for beginners, families, or those interested in a straightforward, portable telescope for casual stargazing and nature watching, the SW-0 is a commendable choice.
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel and children
- Easy assembly with one-touch tripod, beginner-friendly
- Dual use for starry sky and ground observations
- Smartphone compatibility for astrophotography
- Includes a range of accessories for versatility
FAQ about Kenko Telescope Models
What's the best way to set up my new Kenko telescope?
Setting up your Kenko telescope can feel like a mini-adventure in itself! You'll find that each model has its own quirks, so it's a good idea to have the manual handy. Typically, you'll start by getting the optical tube onto the mount. Next, pop the eyepiece into the focuser and attach the finder scope to the tube.
A crucial step is aligning the finder scope with the main telescope, ensuring that you're actually looking at what you think you are in the night sky. Also, balance is key – make sure the optical tube is well-balanced on the mount to avoid any tipping mishaps.
How should I clean my telescope without damaging it?
Keeping your telescope clean is a bit like caring for a camera lens. First off, resist the temptation to touch the lenses or mirrors – fingerprints are the enemy here. A soft brush or air blower is your best bet for gently shooing away dust. If you spot stubborn stains or marks, a lightly moistened cotton swab or a microfiber cloth should do the trick.
Remember, harsh chemicals and solvents are a no-go; they can do more harm than good. And when you're done stargazing, store your telescope in a cool, dry place. Dust caps and covers aren't just for show – they'll keep your lenses and mirrors in top-notch condition.
What's the deal with the warranty on Kenko telescopes and accessories?
Your Kenko gear comes with a limited warranty, but the exact details vary depending on what you bought and where you live. The warranty card that came with your product should have all the specifics. In general, you're looking at a one-year warranty covering material and workmanship defects.
It's important to note that this doesn't cover regular wear and tear, or any damage from misuse, accidents, or alterations.
I think my Kenko product might be faulty. How do I go about claiming the warranty?
If you suspect there's an issue with your Kenko product, the first step is to get in touch with the dealer or distributor where you made the purchase. Be sure to keep your receipt, warranty card, and the product itself on hand. They'll take a look at your product to figure out if it's a warranty case.
If it is, they'll decide whether to repair or replace it. Just a heads-up: you might need to cover the shipping and handling costs for this service.
Best Kenko Telescopes: Conclusion
As our journey through the stars with Kenko telescopes comes to an end, it's clear that Kenko has crafted a range of telescopes that stand out in both performance and quality. Whether you're captivated by the high-precision of the new Sky Explorer SE150N, the customizable nature of the MOEBIUS 55, or the budget-friendly and user-friendly Sky Walker SW-0, Kenko offers a telescope for every skywatcher's need.
Remember, the best telescope is the one that aligns with your astronomical passions and practical requirements. With Kenko, the stars are not just a destination, but a journey of discovery and wonder.
Go Deeper:
Meet James, our go-to tech guru and seasoned reviewer. His sharp attention to detail and love for gadgets drive his deep dives into the newest tech waves. James's insightful analysis and real zest for breakthroughs have earned him a solid reputation in the tech world.
