SVBONY, Any good? - Forums

SVBONY seems to pride itself on budget Astro equipment. As a beginner in astro photography it is useful to hear of real world opinions, as the cost of getting up and running can be expensive. I am not at all interested in equipment snobbery, such as if it not a Takahashi 900mm quintuplet objective, with a coffe making facility you will never get a good photo. I am also aware that you get what you pay for. So I guess what I am asking is it good enough to get started as a base to build on or are there alternatives?. a second point how big a refractor could I get that would sit comfortably on the ioptron skyguider pro.

I have purchased two pieces of SVBONY equipment and I am happy with them so far

SV165 30mm objective F4 Guidescope £37 Nov24
SV305 Pro Colour Camera 2MP £88 Nov24
Both black friday

My other gear : Astrophography
Canon 550D
T-ring + extensions
2x Barlow Celestron Omni
Ioptron Skyguider pro

TBH I was impressed that this little guidescope was able to discern Jupiters biggest satelites like this

I have a 6 nm dual-band Ha Oiii as well as a few other filters from them and haven't had any issues. I can't vouch for the OTA's but suspect that at least the optics are coming out of the same factory in China as many other brands.

hi Tony, thanks for the reply. Although not ready to venture into Dual band at the moment, i am one for small increments and getting the basics right, I have been thinking of a CLS filter for the SV305, my dslr already uses a hoya starscape which is good for SOX lamps but not so effective against led streetlights, I think this could be the new bane of astro work.

I use SVBony 80mm apochromatic triplet refractor. it was my first telescope. I also use their imaging train, a one shot color camera, SVB405cc. I use their filter drawer and filters, a dual band filter as well as UV IR cut filter. I also use their guide scope and guide cope camera. The only part of my setup that doesn't come from them is the mount, I use a ZWO AM5.

You can checkout my images, I've had pretty happy experience with it. I'm sure I could get better images with a higher quality optics, but as a beginner it was a good start. I plan to upgrade incrementally as budget allows. First I think ym biggest benefit would be from going to a monochrome setup with filters, or to a higher quality ZWO one shot color camera.

After this I may upgrade to a Williams optics Pleads 110mm scope, that can still be handled by my mount, but gives a little more power and higher quality optics, as well as being faster. Given I live in the tropical regions where clouds are an issue, and half the year it's monsoon season, faster optics would be a benefit to make the most of the hours of imaging I have per year.

Having said that, if SVBony came out with a faster scope, I would consider them again.

William Sweeney:
hi Tony, thanks for the reply. Although not ready to venture into Dual band at the moment, i am one for small increments and getting the basics right, I have been thinking of a CLS filter for the SV305, my dslr already uses a hoya starscape which is good for SOX lamps but not so effective against led streetlights, I think this could be the new bane of astro work.

I don't know how bright your skies are but if it's anything like mine, I would be pretty much out of business for deep sky without narrow band filters. I am usually around Bortle 8.

Nicholas Barrowclough:
I use SVBony 80mm apochromatic triplet refractor. it was my first telescope. I also use their imaging train, a one shot color camera, SVB405cc. I use their filter drawer and filters, a dual band filter as well as UV IR cut filter. I also use their guide scope and guide cope camera. The only part of my setup that doesn't come from them is the mount, I use a ZWO AM5.

You can checkout my images, I've had pretty happy experience with it. I'm sure I could get better images with a higher quality optics, but as a beginner it was a good start. I plan to upgrade incrementally as budget allows. First I think ym biggest benefit would be from going to a monochrome setup with filters, or to a higher quality ZWO one shot color camera.

After this I may upgrade to a Williams optics Pleads 110mm scope, that can still be handled by my mount, but gives a little more power and higher quality optics, as well as being faster. Given I live in the tropical regions where clouds are an issue, and half the year it's monsoon season, faster optics would be a benefit to make the most of the hours of imaging I have per year.

Having said that, if SVBony came out with a faster scope, I would consider them again.

Hi Nicholas, thanks for the reply, I have had a look at your pics and they are very good and where i want to be at some point. your ex
Hi Nicholas, thanks for the reply, I have had a look at your pics and they are very good and where i want to be at some point. your ex[erience with SVBONY kit gives me confidence that I can learn the craft at a reasonable cost. I was amused to read that living in a tropical climate comes with ti's own issues, I was out imaging last night {uk} where it was -4 C with frost on the ground and it was difficult tightening the grub screws with frozen fingers. do you find humidity to be an issue?

Tony Gondola:
William Sweeney:
hi Tony, thanks for the reply. Although not ready to venture into Dual band at the moment, i am one for small increments and getting the basics right, I have been thinking of a CLS filter for the SV305, my dslr already uses a hoya starscape which is good for SOX lamps but not so effective against led streetlights, I think this could be the new bane of astro work.

I don't know how bright your skies are but if it's anything like mine, I would be pretty much out of business for deep sky without narrow band filters. I am usually around Bortle 8.

I am about 30miles East of london, so anything to the west of me has significant glow to the East of my location is the North sea, so I tend to concentrate in that area.

I have purchased a fair amount of svbony stuff over the years.
About half the time I'm disappointed and the other have I feel satisfied.
They have changed a little over the years and are not ( way cheaper) like they used to be.
I feel like their stuff is 20-25 percent cheaper than others and about 20-25 percent lower quality.
In this hobby quality usually goes with what you pay. If the item doesn't need to be highest quality, then svbony makes a lot of sense. I have a 30mm mini guide scope by then I've used for years. The glass is mediocre and it weighs 25 percent more than comparable scopes. But as long as I guides I don't care.
I have a few filters by svbony that ( get the job done) but end up getting replaced with better brands. I have 2 of their cheap cameras, that now sit in a box because of ZWO replacements. I have bought and almost immediately sold or returned 3 svbony refractors.
Just my experience.

I use SV503 - check my profile to see what it can execute - less said the better

Tony Gondola:
I have a 6 nm dual-band Ha Oiii as well as a few other filters from them and haven't had any issues. I can't vouch for the OTA's but suspect that at least the optics are coming out of the same factory in China as many other brands.

I've had a good experience. Build quality and optics are pretty good.

Subodh Shetty:
I use SV503 - check my profile to see what it can execute - less said the better

Great images
That's great work regardless of the fear.

Clayton Ostler:
I have purchased a fair amount of svbony stuff over the years.
About half the time I'm disappointed and the other have I feel satisfied.
They have changed a little over the years and are not ( way cheaper) like they used to be.
I feel like their stuff is 20-25 percent cheaper than others and about 20-25 percent lower quality.
In this hobby quality usually goes with what you pay. If the item doesn't need to be highest quality, then svbony makes a lot of sense. I have a 30mm mini guide scope by then I've used for years. The glass is mediocre and it weighs 25 percent more than comparable scopes. But as long as I guides I don't care.
I have a few filters by svbony that ( get the job done) but end up getting replaced with better brands. I have 2 of their cheap cameras, that now sit in a box because of ZWO replacements. I have bought and almost immediately sold or returned 3 svbony refractors.
Just my experience.

thanks Clayton, I can say the guidescope is a weighty item but definately well engineered, I did however make a dew sheild for it. maybe they are a bit hit and miss.

Subodh Shetty:
I use SV503 - check my profile to see what it can execute - less said the better

Thanks Subodh, if I could images that good i would be happy, I have looked at the 503 102, your pictures in my eyes show a good return on investment.

William Sweeney:
Clayton Ostler:
I have purchased a fair amount of svbony stuff over the years.
About half the time I'm disappointed and the other have I feel satisfied.
They have changed a little over the years and are not ( way cheaper) like they used to be.
I feel like their stuff is 20-25 percent cheaper than others and about 20-25 percent lower quality.
In this hobby quality usually goes with what you pay. If the item doesn't need to be highest quality, then svbony makes a lot of sense. I have a 30mm mini guide scope by then I've used for years. The glass is mediocre and it weighs 25 percent more than comparable scopes. But as long as I guides I don't care.
I have a few filters by svbony that ( get the job done) but end up getting replaced with better brands. I have 2 of their cheap cameras, that now sit in a box because of ZWO replacements. I have bought and almost immediately sold or returned 3 svbony refractors.
Just my experience.

thanks Clayton, I can say the guidescope is a weighty item but definately well engineered, I did however make a dew sheild for it. maybe they are a bit hit and miss.

This is an interesting hobby. Most of us are trying to squeeze as much out of the gear we can afford, as possible. I'm super happy when anyone can find ways to get less expensive solutions that provide good results. Saving money is smart, but if I buy twice and end up selling off the first purchase for a loss, or it just sits on a shelf, I feel frustrated and somewhat embarrassed by not adhering to the (but once cry once) advice. And I do that a lot with AP gear. Just yesterday I sold 2 filters for than than 50 percent of my original costs, and both have been replaced with better brands that provide better results. (200$ gone). That could have been saved towards a Rasa. Hahah

Clayton Ostler:
William Sweeney:
Clayton Ostler:
I have purchased a fair amount of svbony stuff over the years.
About half the time I'm disappointed and the other have I feel satisfied.
They have changed a little over the years and are not ( way cheaper) like they used to be.
I feel like their stuff is 20-25 percent cheaper than others and about 20-25 percent lower quality.
In this hobby quality usually goes with what you pay. If the item doesn't need to be highest quality, then svbony makes a lot of sense. I have a 30mm mini guide scope by then I've used for years. The glass is mediocre and it weighs 25 percent more than comparable scopes. But as long as I guides I don't care.
I have a few filters by svbony that ( get the job done) but end up getting replaced with better brands. I have 2 of their cheap cameras, that now sit in a box because of ZWO replacements. I have bought and almost immediately sold or returned 3 svbony refractors.
Just my experience.

thanks Clayton, I can say the guidescope is a weighty item but definately well engineered, I did however make a dew sheild for it. maybe they are a bit hit and miss.

This is an interesting hobby. Most of us are trying to squeeze as much out of the gear we can afford, as possible. I'm super happy when anyone can find ways to get less expensive solutions that provide good results. Saving money is smart, but if I buy twice and end up selling off the first purchase for a loss, or it just sits on a shelf, I feel frustrated and somewhat embarrassed by not adhering to the (but once cry once) advice. And I do that a lot with AP gear. Just yesterday I sold 2 filters for than than 50 percent of my original costs, and both have been replaced with better brands that provide better results. (200$ gone). That could have been saved towards a Rasa. Hahah

I feel you, I am mindful of the old adage, all the gear and no idea, so when i do buy i maximise my gear and when it's limitations become a problem it's time to upgrade, also the tips and tricks learned transfer.

Many will say that expensive is always best and some can just write the check. I've never been that guy and have always tried to be strategic in my buying choices. A good example would be choosing a 6" Newtonian as my main imaging scope verses a smaller aperture, much more expensive refractor. The reflector is apochromatic and diffraction limited. It's a good match to my ZWO585pro which was the cheapest cooled camera I could buy. It's a good match to the F/6 Newt. as with a sensor that small I don't need a coma corrector. I carefully weigh every upgrade and purchase to get the biggest improvement for the dollar. SVBony is certainly a part of that approach. I remember when I worked photo retail that a lot of people thought, the most expensive gear would turn them into a great photographer. Nothing could be further from the truth. It helps in certain cases but it isn't the full answer.

Tony Gondola:
Many will say that expensive is always best and some can just write the check. I've never been that guy and have always tried to be strategic in my buying choices. A good example would be choosing a 6" Newtonian as my main imaging scope verses a smaller aperture, much more expensive refractor. The reflector is apochromatic and diffraction limited. It's a good match to my ZWO585pro which was the cheapest cooled camera I could buy. It's a good match to the F/6 Newt. as with a sensor that small I don't need a coma corrector. I carefully weigh every upgrade and purchase to get the biggest improvement for the dollar. SVBony is certainly a part of that approach. I remember when I worked photo retail that a lot of people thought, the most expensive gear would turn them into a great photographer. Nothing could be further from the truth. It helps in certain cases but it isn't the full answer.

I have a 6" Newtonian built in 1979 as a youngster I was heavily into Astronomy and still have it check my kit picture, back then refractors were not as good as they are now and a 3" refractor was considered equivelant to 6 " newt and horificly expensive. life took over and astronomy went on the back burner, now retired and back after 40 odd years and totally amazed at what can be achieved. the big telescope is an 8" newt work in progress, trying to figure the mirror at F6.4 this project has been ongoing at least 25 yrs lol, not sure i have many 25yr projects left in me lol.

William Sweeney:
Tony Gondola:
Many will say that expensive is always best and some can just write the check. I've never been that guy and have always tried to be strategic in my buying choices. A good example would be choosing a 6" Newtonian as my main imaging scope verses a smaller aperture, much more expensive refractor. The reflector is apochromatic and diffraction limited. It's a good match to my ZWO585pro which was the cheapest cooled camera I could buy. It's a good match to the F/6 Newt. as with a sensor that small I don't need a coma corrector. I carefully weigh every upgrade and purchase to get the biggest improvement for the dollar. SVBony is certainly a part of that approach. I remember when I worked photo retail that a lot of people thought, the most expensive gear would turn them into a great photographer. Nothing could be further from the truth. It helps in certain cases but it isn't the full answer.

I have a 6" Newtonian built in 1979 as a youngster I was heavily into Astronomy and still have it check my kit picture, back then refractors were not as good as they are now and a 3" refractor was considered equivelant to 6 " newt and horificly expensive. life took over and astronomy went on the back burner, now retired and back after 40 odd years and totally amazed at what can be achieved. the big telescope is an 8" newt work in progress, trying to figure the mirror at F6.4 this project has been ongoing at least 25 yrs lol, not sure i have many 25yr projects left in me lol.

HaHa, I know what you mean. Glad to see someone is still in the trenches, making mirrors. Good on ya William!

I have the SV550 80mm triplet and I've been happy with it.

I get a bit of chromatic aberration, but it's minor and I can fix it pretty easily now in processing.

I use it with an EQ6-R and ASI2600MC.

Here are some examples:
https://www.astrobin.com/1o735x/D/
https://www.astrobin.com/7kvebf/

Aside from a DSLR instead of the ASI camera, this was my starter setup and it's served me well.

I'm sure you get better quality with higher-end scopes. But IMO, until you get your mount/guiding running smoothly and develop good processing skills, the difference in OTA quality won't make that big a difference.

Hi Derek, Thanks for your reply, lovely pictures, I particularly liked your beach picture very poetic. The SV550 looks to be a good scope and you are doing it justice with your pics. I think you have a point about learning to deal with chromatic aberation, dealing with these annoyances in post is part of the learning process, such that as experience is gained, these are transferable skills when and if you decide to upgrade. For me i am working on Basics, like making sure i am properly polar aligned, and efficiency to reduce workload, things like a compass fitted to my tripod, arrows lined up for declination on my ioptron skyguider pro, these two things get me in the ball park in seconds. i am now looking at guiding using a guidescope and camera and when I have this pegged i will be in a better position to move to larger lenses in my dslr or a dedicated ota.

William Sweeney:
TBH I was impressed that this little guidescope was able to discern Jupiters biggest satelites like this

Jupiter should be very close to be recognizable as a disc bare-eyed. And Ganymed would be visible bare-eyed, too, if Jupiter wasn't that bright.

I captured this on September, 11 (screenshot from an auto-stretched raw file) with a Tamron 35-150 mm zoom lens at 119 mm, f/2.8, ISO 100, 1.3s, with a Sony a7iv.
Time was 08:25 p.m. UTC, from the island of Andoya, Norway, so it was during dusk.

The bright one is Jupiter. to its left is Ganymed, to it's right is 108 Tau (approx. apparent Mag 7.5).

Here is the Stellarium simulation, with the marker on 108 Tau. With some imagination, you could even think there is a glimpse of Europa in the frame.
I think i have to re-visit the stacked version, i wil upload it to my gallery...

I have their sv605, filter drawer and sv220 ha/0iii filter. All bought on price, not quality.
I'd like a usb hub on the camera like zwo etc al, but other than that it's hard to fault.
Even their customer service seems decent.
Only been doing this for 11 months though, so I'm hardly expert enough to offer much more insight.
If you look me up on star gazers lounge all my square pictures are taken with this gear and my £300 72ed. They are not winning prizes, but my gear is still far better than my skills.

Took this two days ago through mist only 3 hours in bortle6. Don't zoom into far

but I'm quite shocked tbh

TiffsAndAstro:
I have their sv605, filter drawer and sv220 ha/0iii filter. All bought on price, not quality.
I'd like a usb hub on the camera like zwo etc al, but other than that it's hard to fault.
Even their customer service seems decent.
Only been doing this for 11 months though, so I'm hardly expert enough to offer much more insight.
If you look me up on star gazers lounge all my square pictures are taken with this gear and my £300 72ed. They are not winning prizes, but my gear is still far better than my skills.

Took this two days ago through mist only 3 hours in bortle6. Don't zoom into far but I'm quite shocked tbh

Hi Tiffs, I think you hit the nail on the head, where the equipment outperforms ability, I do feel that as i have stated in other posts when the equipment becomes the limiting factor then it's time to think upgrade. Great photo by the way.

William Sweeney:
TiffsAndAstro:
I have their sv605, filter drawer and sv220 ha/0iii filter. All bought on price, not quality.
I'd like a usb hub on the camera like zwo etc al, but other than that it's hard to fault.
Even their customer service seems decent.
Only been doing this for 11 months though, so I'm hardly expert enough to offer much more insight.
If you look me up on star gazers lounge all my square pictures are taken with this gear and my £300 72ed. They are not winning prizes, but my gear is still far better than my skills.

Took this two days ago through mist only 3 hours in bortle6. Don't zoom into far but I'm quite shocked tbh

Hi Tiffs, I think you hit the nail on the head, where the equipment outperforms ability, I do feel that as i have stated in other posts when the equipment becomes the limiting factor then it's time to think upgrade. Great photo by the way.

very kind of you to say. i like it too, especially so compared to my gear

MY SVBONY Sv165 (with home made dewshield) Sv305 pro planetary/guide camera