32 replies to this topic

[Dudleydogg]

Svbony Sv503 102F7 ED Telescope Refractor Review

https://www.ebay.com/usr/svbony

https://www.ebay.com...o_sEuaGyu7zddEc

Viewing Location Central Florida Bortle 5ish (some times 4) 

I originally started out with a LX200 Mead 8' and the Focus mirror flop was very difficult to manage, so about 4 months ago I decided to look for something different and found the biggest refractor Svbony makes a 103mm doublet with ED Glass FPL 51. The dual speed focuser makes visual astronomy very precise as getting to focus is no struggle paired with Svbony Bahtinov Focusing Mask. The focuser works with 1.25 and 2 inch Eyepieces with a Pressure Ring to hold in accessories that does not scratch or damage your equipment. The Focuser also can move 360 degrees so you can get any Angle desired for comfortable viewing. It also has 90mm Focus Movement so with correct adapters achieving focus is always possible. The focal Length is 714mm and with Svbony's 0.8 reducer you can get Focal Length down to 572mm for really wide View.  Entire Moon will fit perfectly into image view. The Rings hold the Tube perfectly and can adjust to fit a variety of Dove Tail Plates for any Mount configuration. The best feature is the  2 inch focuser is great for Astrophotography the EAF electronic Focuser Fits perfectly and is very easy to mount, and Svbony has detailed instructions how to mount auto Focuser

https://www.svbony.c...allation-guide/

If your shooting DSO Nebula with the Focal reducer most winter time Nebula fit perfect into the FOV of this refractor. I attached a few of my images to this review to see how the performance is for this refractor. It is 12 LBS and has no issues on my Skywatcher EQ6 mount. the focuser handles all equipment, DSO Camera, Filter Wheel Reducer and EAF with no weight issues. the ability to rotate your camera angle with out removing the camera is a big plus. My photos were a struggle until I bought this Svbony sv503 refractor now my images are much better and have giving me more confidence posting in the Astrophotography community.  I personally Like this refractor, it works for me, takes great photos and is well in a beginner or even seasoned Astro photographer Price range. 

 

 

the most popular of targets and all done with svbony sv503 refractor is the Orion nebula my Favorite

My Svbony Astrophotography Rig

Edited by Dudleydogg, 02 March 2022 - 10:27 PM.

[Jim in PA]

Nice work DudleyDogg

 

I got one of these scopes for my young nephew to start in AP.  The optics on it are about the best I've seen in an ED doublet.  With the FR/FF, I've been VERY impressed so far just collecting data.

 

I'm setting him up with a modded Canon T3i, but everything else is about what you have on your rig...he'll be using an older hypertuned Atlas for the mount.

 

Can't wait to see what he's able to do with it.  Thanks for posting your experience and pics with this outstanding scope! 

 

EDIT:  I wholeheartedly agree that the rotatable focuser is a HUGE plus for a scope in this class and price range.  Definitely worth the couple extra bucks.

Edited by Jim in PA, 03 March 2022 - 05:14 AM.

[Jeepguy1961]

Thanks for sharing, I'm looking at this scope as well

[Jim in PA]

JeepGuy,

 

Here are some pics of the scope as I had it out the other night doing some Grab N Go visual.  Slapped one of my off-axis-mounted Telrads on and off I went.   GnG for me is just out the door, so a motorized CG-4 and a 102mm F7 frac is GnG.

 

If I had to carry it longer distances, maybe not   But as it's set up here, I can get the scope and mount out in one trip, then I go back for my battery and eyepieces.

 

The Astro Gadget motors are small, lightweight, and work well on the CG-4 with this scope for visual...I like having tracking and a small hand controller rather than constantly fiddling with slo-mo knobs.  Unfortunately, Astro Gadget is closed for the forseeable future due to being in Ukraine, but I highly recommend them.  I just hope they will make it through all this mess OK.

 

 

 

 

The Atlas I use for imaging is pier mounted and has no problems handling this scope, guide scope/camera and DSLR for AP.  I sure do like the rotating focuser, it's well-built and doesn't add any slop or tilt into the image train.   Don't know what you're looking at using the scope for, but I really like the optics both for visual and AP.  I did get the focal reducer/field flattener for imaging and like the faster F-ratio and flat field it provides.

 

Every part of the scope is well built.  There's nothing about it that seems chintzy or skimped-on.  Focuser is smooth and can handle the weight of imagers no problem.  The optics are very sharp and fringe-free even at high magnification.

Edited by Jim in PA, 04 March 2022 - 02:51 PM.

[Dudleydogg]

Nice Looking Rig there, These telescopes are underrated More so when doing S H O imaging.

[Jeepguy1961]

Thanks Mariner, I'm going to try to use my d810 Nikon and 150 to 600 Sigma initially just to get my feet wet and test out the system that I went with.  Then hopefully I'll get that scope it looks beautiful and thanks for your review of it.

[Dudleydogg]

Thanks Mariner, I'm going to try to use my d810 Nikon and 150 to 600 Sigma initially just to get my feet wet and test out the system that I went with.  Then hopefully I'll get that scope it looks beautiful and thanks for your review of it.

The ebay Svbony store is good spot to look they have weekly deals too.

https://www.facebook.com/madewithworld

interested in SV503 102ED you can contact them directly I got some discounts when I bought mine.

[gabebalazs]

Nice review. Mine is arriving in a few days. I'm looking forward to it. 

 

Thanks Mariner, I'm going to try to use my d810 Nikon and 150 to 600 Sigma initially just to get my feet wet and test out the system that I went with.  Then hopefully I'll get that scope it looks beautiful and thanks for your review of it.

Once I receive the 102ED I can share my experience with you since I'm in sort of a similar situation. I've been using my Sigma 150-600 C, which is the best copy of the 8 or so similar category lenses I've owned in the last 12 years. I use it with a variety of bodies (Sony A7III, A7RIII, A6000) with great results. 

So I'm very curious to see the differences between the Sigma 150-600 and the SV503 102ED. Like I said my Sigma is exceptional copy, I went through probably 8 lenses (2 copies of this Sigma, 2 copies of the Gen 1 Tamron 150-600, 2 copies of Canon 100-400L V1, and others). I like it so much that even though it's a Canon mount version (a remnant from my Canon days), I'm just too afraid to sell it fearing I'm not going to find anything this good (plus I don't think this particular lens exists in Sony mount.)

For years I was a bird photographer that's why I experimented so much with long telephoto lenses.

Edited by gabebalazs, 11 March 2022 - 07:47 AM.

[IronHead]

I received my Sv503 102ED telescope today, ahead of my expected delivery day. A pleasant surprise.

 

It appears to have a locking screw, a silver knob thunb-screw, to secure the rotation of the entire focus-ring and camera/ eyepiece attachment end. However, regardless of how loose or tight it sits, the entire focus ring and camera/ eyepiece still rotates with ease.

 

I removed the locking screw and I can see a ring through the hole; the ring does not appear to turn when the entire focus-ring is turned. Further, the focus-ring assembly seems to be a bit loose. By loose, I mean that it can be rocked laterally to the telescope not just rotationally.

 

I wonder if I am overlooking something?

 

thank-you,

s

[Paul AZ]

I received my Sv503 102ED telescope today, ahead of my expected delivery day. A pleasant surprise.

 

It appears to have a locking screw, a silver knob thunb-screw, to secure the rotation of the entire focus-ring and camera/ eyepiece attachment end. However, regardless of how loose or tight it sits, the entire focus ring and camera/ eyepiece still rotates with ease.

 

I removed the locking screw and I can see a ring through the hole; the ring does not appear to turn when the entire focus-ring is turned. Further, the focus-ring assembly seems to be a bit loose. By loose, I mean that it can be rocked laterally to the telescope not just rotationally.

 

I wonder if I am overlooking something?

 

thank-you,

s

Hi S, the rotating focuser should lock down when the screw is tightened down. It may or may not rotate with ease once that screw is loosened but it should rotate nonetheless. I would contact customer support or if you ordered via Amazon just request an exchange. also it should not rock laterally at all.

Edited by Paul AZ, 25 May 2022 - 06:04 PM.

[Dudleydogg]

NO NO NO mine did this too, there is a Ring the screw tightens too, so even if the screw is tight my back end just spun around.  OK Tighten the Screw, then rotate the back end Clock Wise, till it tightens UP.  Then Loosen the screw and place where you want.  If you CCW and spin it will remove the back end of the tube.  Its just the Ring is not all way ON, like maybe their lock tight just gave way or something.  The Scope is not broken.

 

Think about it for a second then be like DUH and you will see what I mean.

[IronHead]

NO NO NO mine did this too, there is a Ring the screw tightens too, so even if the screw is tight my back end just spun around.  OK Tighten the Screw, then rotate the back end Clock Wise, till it tightens UP.  Then Loosen the screw and place where you want.  If you CCW and spin it will remove the back end of the tube.  Its just the Ring is not all way ON, like maybe their lock tight just gave way or something.  The Scope is not broken.

 

Think about it for a second then be like DUH and you will see what I mean.

Dudleydogg,

 

Thank-you!!

I am elated to say that this seems to have solved both issues.

 

S

[IronHead]

I will further add that the three brass flush-mounted screws seem to adjust the tension on the internal ring.  Mine were quite loose. Once seated they add considerable drag when turning the whole focus assembly. The drag is easily adjusted with equal adjustments to each screw. 

 

I turned all four screws down (three brass and the thumb-screw) tightened the focus assembly as Dudleydogg suggested. Once secured,  I backed off the brass screws to a slight drag with the thumb-screw loose as if I was turning to adjust a camera.

 

Seems good.

 

Now to wait for the clouds to part.

 

S

[Paul AZ]

I will further add that the three brass flush-mounted screws seem to adjust the tension on the internal ring.  Mine were quite loose. Once seated they add considerable drag when turning the whole focus assembly. The drag is easily adjusted with equal adjustments to each screw. 

 

I turned all four screws down (three brass and the thumb-screw) tightened the focus assembly as Dudleydogg suggested. Once secured,  I backed off the brass screws to a slight drag with the thumb-screw loose as if I was turning to adjust a camera.

 

Seems good.

 

Now to wait for the clouds to part.

 

 

S

That is great that you were able to adjust and it wasn't a case of any missing parts (e.g. rings etc). It is a nice scope and takes great pics.

[Tarantular]

If you tighten those brass screws too much the drag of the ring becomes too much , and even after you loosen the thumb screw it will still unscrew the black tube assembly so you gotta play a bit until you get the right drag to "not unscrewing the tube assembly" ratio - i just played with mine just now and found that out.

Edited by Tarantular, 25 May 2022 - 11:47 PM.

[IronHead]

That is great that you were able to adjust and it wasn't a case of any missing parts (e.g. rings etc). It is a nice scope and takes great pics.

Hi Paul,

 

Your gallery was included in part of my considerations while making the decison to upgrade. 

You have amazing photos.

 

S

[ronnekex]

I consider to purcase this scope as an all-rounder, including use with a full-frame DSLR.

 

Have anyone tested the performance of the SV503-102ED with the flattener/reducer across a full frame 24x36mm camera chip? How large is the usable image circle when it comes to vignetting, star sharpness, roundness, color errors? It would be nice if someone have some full frame image examples.

 

According to some ads this telescope-reducer combo can "meet the illumination needs of full-frame shooting". 
https://www.amazon.c...TPDX/ref=sr_1_3

Edited by ronnekex, 18 June 2022 - 01:44 PM.

[Dudleydogg]

I use the ASI2600MM so that is 23.5x15.7 not quite your full frame. Good Question I would like to know how big the image circle is but so far i cannot find it. Looking.

[ronnekex]

I use the ASI2600MM so that is 23.5x15.7 not quite your full frame. Good Question I would like to know how big the image circle is but so far i cannot find it. Looking.

Thanks for this clarification. Your pictures look great! I wonder how far out this good quality lasts.

[morden8uk]

Nice pictures there. I'm really enjoying my SV503. Pretty good on visual Planets too!. It wants some inward focus mind if using a barlow with short focal length EP's and a 2" Diagonal. I've now bought a 1.25" Tak prism to over come that (not a drama). I'm about to start some imaging (DSLR) also.

 

Cheers

Rob

[Sixptelk]

I have the SV Bony 102mmED and it's a stellar performer in every way. There is nothing inexpensive about the way it is made. Equal to about anything out there that is high quality ED glass. No chromatic aberration seen even on the edge of the moon and Jupiter. Very impressive. I sold it to a friend and bought a replacement just being nice to him and to get him a decent scope. He cancelled so I have an extra one for sale. OTA $450. It will be on CL and FB soon. 

[Saied Mabrouk]

It is hard to believe their is no chromatic aberration with fpl51 doublet and F/7 when viewing the moon at magnification of 100X to 200X which is the usable range of this 100mm scope.  The Synta 100 mm scopes with fpl53 doublet and F/9 show a hint of chromatic aberration.

Can someone comment and show pictures?

[Asteroyd]

I bought one of these Sv503 102EDs a couple of weeks ago.  I've had it out a couple of times, but I haven't put it through its paces as far as testing for CA, but if there is any it is subtle (to me) and you would have to look for it.  

 

Love it so far, but there was ONE rather major thing that really pi$$ed me off, but I am getting over it.  I bought the combo OTA/finderscope dovetail kit.  When I put on the dovetail rack it was simple, only two screws, and that's that.  Well, then as I was running through the focus, going in and out just playing with the tension, I noticed sort of a "grinding" or scraping sound.  I just thought it might be a tight tension screw or something, then I noticed about a 2 or 3 inch scratch through the numbers on the focus tube (on the left side, ranging 0 - 90mm I believe).  It didn't take long to realize one of the screws from the dovetail was too deep and hit the tube.

 

easy fix, I just grabbed a couple of tiny washers and that backed out the screws just enough, but the damage is done.  I can live with a 2 or 3 inch scratch through some numbers that I probably will never reference anyway, and I CAN still make out the markings and numbers if I have to, but what a horrible thing to happen to your 2-day old new baby. What gets me is that this was not some aftermarket dovetail I just threw on there from another scope, this came WITH the telescope from SvBony.  

 

So, just be aware all you new owners.  It may not hurt just to proactively use a couple of small washers just in case.  I wish I had.......Otherwise it's a beautiful scope and I can't wait to spend some more time under the stars.

 

 

Royd

[Rdenney]

I've been waiting to add to this thread until I had enough experience to have something useful to say.

 

I am extremely happy with this scope for what it cost. Build quality is excellent, the focuser is really good, it looks and feels carefully made, and it utterly avoids signs of real cheapness. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

 

Without question, there is longitudinal chromatic aberration, seen as purple/blue halos around bright stars in photographed images. I have experimented with desaturating that color just a bit in photoshop to control it, and it's not objectionable to me at present. I've never detected it visually, but it's there in photographs. It's not on the same planet of obvious as is the longitunidal CA on traditional non-ED achromats. I have an old 4-element (read: 2-element objective plus flattener/corrector) Pentax Takumar 500/4.5 telephoto that is in the same vicinity of speed and focal length as the 102ED with its reducer, and it's like looking through a prism it's so colorful. From that perspective, the CA on the SvBony is negligible visually and controllable photographically.

 

There is also a touch of lateral chromatic aberration visible in astrophotos--less than a pixel's worth (maybe an arc-second). It may be the flattener/reducer, and it may even be on the camera sensor--I am just beginning that journey.

 

Here's my rig set up for visual:

 

 

For visual, I'm using a 2" SvBony diagonal, and the SvBony ripoff of the Twilight alt-az mount on an old Bogen tripod.

 

And here's the rig in use for AP:

 

 

The mount is an Explore Scientific EXOS2-GT PMC-Eight. Last night was my first attempt to get all this to work under the stars, and that part was generally successful though it took some time (I'm new to AP). But here's the first photo I made using this rig:

 

57 minutes total integration using 3-minute subs and 10 darks, integrated and processed in Siril and Photoshop.

 

Here's an ipad screen grab of a 3-minute exposure of M57:

 

 

Even in that downsampled screen grab, you can see a hint of blue halos around the brightest stars, but this is a three-minute exposure. Again: Visually, not an issue at all, and for AP it's controllable.

 

All in all, doing better than the SV503 102ED would require significantly more dollars, it seems to me.

 

Rick "recommended" Denney

Edited by Rdenney, 10 September 2024 - 02:30 PM.

[MortonH]

Is that Svbony altaz mount adequate for the 102ED?