Kson Telescopes History and Overview
Kson 400/80 Refractor with 1.25″ Focuser
Introduced : 2021
Inexpensive, high quality metal refractor, with no plastic. Tri lock focuser with focusing ring holds accessories very well. There is a lighter vixen plate version, as well as a full ring version, depending on your needs. Delivers excellent widefield views.
Suitable Mounts : Kson KM Mini Mount, Kson Light Mount, Kson KM-X, Kson MD all suitable. Saxon AZ3, AZ4, AZ5 and EQ3, plus automated mounts.
Kson 400/80 Refractor with 2″ Focuser
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Introduced : Early ’23
Overview : This special refractor offers the widest views possible with a 2″ CG fine focuser, and a short focal length. Used with an appropriately wide view eyepiece, this offers incredible rich field views at a very modest price point. This special edition features a aluminium lens cell (not plastic) and an aluminium lens making this an entirely metal build.
Suitable Mounts : Kson KM Mini Mount, Kson Light Mount, Kson KM-X, Kson AZ4, EQ4, Kson MD all suitable. Saxon AZ3, AZ4, AZ5 and EQ3, plus automated mounts.
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Kson 600/90 with 1.25″ Focuser (MK I. II)
Introduced : Early 2022, retired design, see reference picture.
Overview: The chassis was excellent, so Kson upgraded the plastic focuser (Mk I) with a quality metal single speed focuser (MK II). Superb views, inexpensive and high quality.
Suitable Mounts : Kson Light Mount, Kson KM-X, Kson AZ4, EQ4, Kson MD all suitable. Saxon AZ3, AZ4, AZ5 and EQ3, plus automated mounts.
Kson 600/90 with 2″ CG Fine Focuser (Mk III)
Introduced: Late 2022, current model
Overview : Uses the excellent build of the distinctive black 90mm frame and integrates a 2″ fine focuser for a very flexible, all around instrument suitable for viewing almost anything. Particularly light weight and easy to transport and use.
Suitable Mounts : Kson Light Mount, Kson KM-X, Kson AZ4, EQ4, Kson MD all suitable. Saxon AZ3, AZ4, AZ5 and EQ3, plus automated mounts.
Kson A102G Original and Classic S, M and L
Introduced : 2018
Overview : The main line of the Kson instruments, this has gone through several iterations, improving each time. From the start, the A102G used exceptional glass and was the first in the series to feature hand-figured lenses for an unusually good image. It started to become available with both a standard 2″ focuser, as well as a 2″ fine focuser. The A102G is evolving into the “A102 Classic” line. The Classic M (f/7) (featuring K9/QK3 glass) is being phased out and the S (f/6) and L (f/9) range is coming on line featuring special K9/ZF2 glass, with classy 2″ CG Fine Focusers. Comes with a superb padded handy nylon case. The A102G also benefits a little from the availability of the Kson Flattener and Corrector, which enables it to be used for imaging and Astrophotography. The older Mk II units came in two variants, with a regular, and a fine focuser. The new Mk III comes with a 2″ CG Dual Speed focuser as standard and has been upgraded to include an excellent nylon carry bag.
Suitable Mounts : Kson KM-X, Kson AZ4, EQ4, Kson MD all suitable. Saxon AZ3, AZ4, AZ5 and EQ3, plus automated mounts.
Kson “Olympus” AS 102
Introduced : Late 2022, prototype
Overview : This exciting long focal length prototype scope was built from the ground up to meet a long neglected demand – an all metal build, large aperture, long focal length instrument that was affordable and would be suitable for a wide range of targets with minimal colour. Features an unusual K9/ZF2 air spaced lens pairing, a new user collimatable lens cell, 2″ dual speed focuser, standard dew shield and an 80mm aperture cap (transforming the scope into a f/15 instrument) are just some of the exciting features. Enhanced baffling, vixen plate, and a handy nylon bag complete the scope. One of the most unusual and interesting aspects of the design is that it was built to be compatible with a wide range of binoviewers from the get go – which means in many cases, there is no need for barlowing the binoviewers or needing to use focal correctors. The CE (Cemented) version was the end result of this special unique scope.
Suitable Mounts : Kson AZ4, EQ4, Saxon AZ3, AZ4, AZ5 and EQ3, plus automated mounts.
Kson “Olympus” CE 102
Introduced : Early 2023
Overview : This exciting long focal length is very similar to the AS102, in that it features an all metal build, large aperture, and a long focal length creating an instrument that is affordable and would be suitable for a wide range of targets with minimal colour. This version’s exciting features include a cemented K9/F4 lens pairing to improve contrast, 2″ dual speed focuser, extra long (300mm) retractable dew shield and an 80mm aperture cap (transforming the scope into a 80mm f/15 instrument). Enhanced baffling, extra long (330mm) vixen plate for stability, and a handy nylon bag complete the scope. One of the most unusual and interesting aspects of the design is that it comes with a focuser extension so it has a tremendous compatibility with various eyepieces and binoviewers so there is no need for barlowing the binoviewers or needing to use focal correctors. A CE (Cemented) version is likely to be introduced in 2023.
Suitable Mounts : Kson AZ4, EQ4, Saxon AZ3, AZ4, AZ5 and EQ3, plus automated mounts.
Kson “Ke’sil” 750/150 f/5 Star Sweeper
Introduced : 2022
Overview : The Ke’sil is one sweet star sweeper. Featuring K9/ZF2 glass, a user collimatable lens system, a handle for easy adjustment and transport and a retractable dew shield, as well as a 2″ focuser, it will give you breathtaking wide views of the sky that you won’t easily forget. Want to image with it? Use the flattener / corrector to significantly improve the potential for Astrophotography. Comes with special lens cap that can be used with the included solar filter, that can also be unscrewed to create a 80mm f/9 instrument to extend it’s capabilities. Available both in Black (Raven) and Pearl White (after late ’22).
Suitable Mounts : Kson EQ4, Saxon EQ3 Steel Tripod Version, HEQ5, NEQ6
Kson “Ki-Mah” 1200/127 f/9 Mk II and III
Introduced : 2022
Overview: One of the largest telescopes made by Kson, the Ki’mah will leave you with some unforgettable memories. Built to the same high standard as the Olympus, the Olympus’s bigger brother offers even more aperture, for teasing out the most subtle of details where it’s most needed. Features K9/ZF2 lens pairing, air spaced lens, new user collimatable lens cell, 2″ dual speed focuser, a retractable dew shield, as well as enhanced baffling, an extra long vixen plate for stability, and a handy nylon bag complete the scope package. The Mk II is black and comes with a large padded case, the Mk III is white and comes with a nylon handy bag. The Mk III features an aperture cap and improved baffling.
Suitable Mounts : Kson EQ4, Saxon EQ3 Steel Tripod Version, HEQ5, NEQ6
Kson Maksutov 127 /1500
Introduced : 2022
Want the “Ki’Mah’, but just can’t handle the size? Imagine the Ki’mah, but then having the focal length at 1500mm – sounds exciting? It is! The Kson 127 Mak uses a different telescope design to give you a great 127mm light grasp, while giving the easy focusing and great definition of a long focal length instrument. The optical tube is sealed by the meniscus, keeping the mirrors safe from humidity, dust and pollution, guaranteeing the instrument a long life. The focal length allows high magnification with the standard eyepieces making it particularly suitable for planetary and lunar work.
In 2023, the 8×50 finder was replaced by a reticuled 6×30 with optional illumination.
