159 replies to this topic

[Maranatha]

Finally got a chance to use this scope. Impressed with it, once you ditch the stock diagonal and EP.

 

Below pics are taken with my Galaxy S22.

9mm pic (first one) shows nice detail. Yay, finally a use for my crappy redline 9mm lol.

Also a stock 20mm EP pic.

 

 

[Nautilus]

very nice!

What mount were you using?

Edited by Nautilus, 24 April 2025 - 07:22 PM.

[Maranatha]

Was on the AZ Pronto, took the mak off.

 

very nice!

What mount were you using?

 

[RichA]

The included mirror diagonal isn’t bad:

 

IMG_3406.jpeg
 

The biggest problem with the mount, and there are multiple problems, is that the movements when slewing are jerky which prevents you from being able to reliably center the desired object. The solution is to lubricate the plain plastic bearings with that magical lubricant, “damping grease”. I used Nye PG-44A, and while expensive you use very little and it’s useful for a wide range of Astro equipment including mounts and Synta focusers. You can find it on eBay.

 

Before applying the damping grease sand or file down any mold marks or other flaws using a fine grit abrasive. Then apply the grease - I use my finger - and reassemble. WD-40 on a rag or paper towel cleans up the grease quickly and easily.

 

I’m still struggling to determine the quality of the optics but the atmosphere has been uncooperative. Low power views through the included 3 lens eyepiece (Kellner?) are great, but high magnifications are a struggle. It may be the scope, but maybe not, as my AT72EDII which I use as a reference shows the same poor views under the recent seeing conditions.

Mirror is a surprise, I'd have expected a piece of thin conventional glass.

[maniack]

The SV510 looks like it's still available to US buyers for $15 via AliExpress, shipping from the US with 4 left in stock. It seems like one of the last items that hasn't had a price hike yet due to tariffs (Svbony has also raised the prices of other items that are shipping from the US).

 

So it's a good time to pull the trigger on one of these if youre interested.

[scout]

Is there an advantage to using this Svbony solar telescope compared to using my AT72EDII if I make a solar filter using this $8 filter film or a similar cheap pre-made filter?

 

https://www.amazon.c...ics,154&sr=1-23

 

I'd like to get into sunspot viewing since we're at solar maximum this year, but what reason is there to buy this refractor if you already own a grab and go scope since you'd have to put it on a better tripod than the flimsy Svbony one anyway?

[Nautilus]

Interesting because most of Svbony eyepieces on AliExpress  have jumped in price.  For example their redline 68° Ultra Wide Angle eyepieces are around $45 each and their 7-21 Zoom is almost $60.

Edited by Nautilus, Yesterday, 07:37 PM.

[dmgriff]

Is there an advantage to using this Svbony solar telescope compared to using my AT72EDII if I make a solar filter using this $8 filter film or a similar cheap pre-made filter?

 

https://www.amazon.c...ics,154&sr=1-23

 

I'd like to get into sunspot viewing since we're at solar maximum this year, but what reason is there to buy this refractor if you already own a grab and go scope since you'd have to put it on a better tripod than the flimsy Svbony one anyway?

My SV510 solar was bought just because it was 20usd. It works, but, not as good as my ST80 with a Spectrum Telescopes glass solar filter. 

 

Your AT72ED will be miles ahead of the SV510.

Edited by dmgriff, Today, 10:27 AM.

[maniack]

Is there an advantage to using this Svbony solar telescope compared to using my AT72EDII if I make a solar filter using this $8 filter film or a similar cheap pre-made filter?

 

https://www.amazon.c...ics,154&sr=1-23

 

I'd like to get into sunspot viewing since we're at solar maximum this year, but what reason is there to buy this refractor if you already own a grab and go scope since you'd have to put it on a better tripod than the flimsy Svbony one anyway?

The advantage is that the solar film is placed within the objective, reducing a failure point. This is good for beginners in particular.

 

The view from the AT72EDII with an objective solar film (Baader is better than Thousand Oaks in my experience) or with a wedge will be better.

[Polyphemos]

Is there an advantage to using this Svbony solar telescope compared to using my AT72EDII if I make a solar filter using this $8 filter film or a similar cheap pre-made filter?

 

https://www.amazon.c...ics,154&sr=1-23

 

I'd like to get into sunspot viewing since we're at solar maximum this year, but what reason is there to buy this refractor if you already own a grab and go scope since you'd have to put it on a better tripod than the flimsy Svbony one anyway?

There’s variability in cheap solar filters and many of them are truly awful. The filter SvBony put on their SV510 is actually pretty good and by descriptions of the filter and the views through it it might well be identical to the filter you’ve linked. If true, the advantage of the SV510 over you making one is that it’s complete right out of the box, quite safe, and probably less expensive. 
 

If you really want the best views available through your AT72EDII without spending a fortune the best approach is to buy or make a filter that uses Baader AstroSolar film or to purchase a solar prism. Either of those two methods will yield noticeably better views than either the SV510 or a cheap Amazon filter. Still, for $15, I’d get the SV510 to see if solar viewing is really something of interest and then go from there.