Thanks for making a good review. My experience with the same scope is similar. Your new lens may be better than my new lens, but mine is definitely better than the original. I'm hoping for some good weather to check it some more.
Nice. Been considering this optical tube. Might consider picking up an SvBony SV231 color correction filter. When used with the Sharp Cap Pro color correction feature, it eliminates purple fringing entirely.
Excellent video. I started to get this scope; instead I bought the MEEZAA 80ED. It has a near-perfect lens, the focuser is the same as the SvBony 48P f/5.5, and the cost was very reasonable. I may go back and buy this one later. I also have the SvBony SV48P 90mm f/5.5 that is very good. Excellent telescopes for not a lot of money!
Yes, this does not have ED glass, which makes a big difference for photography (you can see the halos on the stars in the Orion images). Your 80ED would have much better performance with a camera.
Great Video!!! I bought a 48P about three months ago... At first i thought it was ok but the more I pushed it the more I came away disappointed with it. Star images were spiky and when in far out of focus there was a huge coma image. I pretty much gave up on it and started using my 6" short tube reflector to take it's place. I figured i would use it for terrestrial use during the daytime. Then i saw your video and decided to give SV Bony a jingle... they asked me to describe the trouble i was having and they agreed that the objective lens was faulty. They are sending me a replacement objective.... Looking forward to seeing what this scope can do with proper optics!!!! Thank you for posting your video!!! Stars, Cars & Guitars
Great video. I purchased this scope based on this review. It arrived today with the new (upgraded) lens. The focuser is smooth. I had first light and am very happy with the optics. Stars are sharp and Jupiter and its moons looked great. As expected, there was CA on Jupiter and Venus, but for me I can live with that. This is replacing a 90mm MAK that I had used as a travel scope. The optics are better than the MAK and it gives me wider views. If you can live with the CA, I don't think there is a better value for the money.
It would be neat to test the old lens. I had a 90mm objective that had poor images until I found out one of the components had been flipped by the previous owner. I had a 60mm lens that I had to rotate the components to improve the image. Pinched optics is often an issue as well that can be fixed by loosening the cell holder and tapping. Of course, in your case it sounds like SVBONY was aware of the issue.
I would love to see a video covering deep space Astrophotography with a planetary camera such as this one because I (and I’m sure many other people are the same) had a planetary camera a while and want to get started on some deep space with the setup they already have while saving up for a new one, cover targets such as Orion Nebula and parts of the andromeda galaxy on decently low exposure. BTW many people don’t have an asi air so use sharp cap in these tutorials. 👍clear skies
@@LearnToStargazeThanks, John. Wondering if I should give this a try using my scope that looks out through the back window. I imagine low probability of success, but wouldn’t it be great if it worked to some degree?
@@scottm599 The Seestar S30 might be less expensive than the planetary camera alone and planetary imaging is really a finikey process. It can be fun though. Just depends on how much gear you want to accumulate.
Thanks for the review. I've been thinking of getting one for a first serious scope. The sooner the better with the Tariffs coming. Could you cover mounts, please?
It's better to get any dobsonian as a first serious scope, at least 6", better 8". Actually, I just sold my 8", because I know I can see more with my 10". This 102mm SV48p is more like a 2nd "grab&go" scope, or an introduction to astrophotography.
Forcing your customers to replace the objective lens on one of their flagship telescopes does not build my confidence in this brand. Why wasn’t this caught by quality control before it ever started shipping?
It is a little disappointing, ive looked through one of these and it wasnt bad, though not excellent either... for 300 bucks it wasnt bad, ..but at least they are correcting the issue, also, I would consider this one of their lower end or intermediate scopes, I'd say their 120mm triplet is their flagship.
The 48P line is their low end, not the flagship. The SV550 is their flagship line. I've had the SV503 80ED and it was excellent for the price. Used it for the eclipse in April. Have the SV48P 90mm and not as good as the SV503, but for the price, I'm not complaining.
First this is a low end scope, not even a higher tier from SVBony.. and two, you have to give it to them, they absolutely stand behind everything they sell and will make it right. I'll take that any day over some other budget companies..
For the price you can hardly complain, but getting such an astigmatic lens shows very poor quality control and this should have never been sent, or screwed on a tube. Additionally when you get a completely different lens something doesn't seem right: either they used the wrong lens, or changed the design. Either way: bad QC. Overall I'm pretty happy with SvBony with some products, and after your lens replacement I'd say the performance was on point for the price.
that scope on a track mount would be a good setup. im thinking of buying it so i can do some long moon recordings, video recording for a student project
Fast achromats like this one are NOT good for the Moon because of significant chromatic aberrations. Look for f10 refractors like 102/1000mm, or 90/900mm as a cheaper alternative. You can still fit the whole Moon with APS-C camera and a 1000mm scope.
@@LearnToStargaze i have heard that said. People say it’s not good for this or that. Been then they show evidence showing it’s great. I’m still looking to build a new setup. I have had my astromaster 114eg for about 12 years now. It’s a great scope if your patient and take time to learn how to use it. Just need an upgrade. I have also thought about putting the 114 on a tracker. Stick with what I know that way. Undecided. Open to suggestions
@@LearnToStargaze Laws of nature: for achromats the shorter the f-ratio the more prominent chromatic aberrations are. As per the chromatic aberrations chart for achromats, for 102mm of aperture there are minimal or no chromatic aberrations at f=12, i.e. 1224mm of focal length - that's why people buy APOchromats if they need shorter focal length, but for the Moon, and to not break the bank, it's reasonable to go for 102/1000 or similar. I'd really like to see how this 102mm sv48p works in deep sky narrowband imaging though.
This was just using a planetary imaging camera with a very small sensor. There is no zoom in astrophotography, just image scale. A larger sensor would show much more of the nebula and surrounding area.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks a lot for the info. Really helpful. Why I asked this question - just bought myself an AVX and wanted to ensure that it the right mount for me. Don’t want to open the box, otherwise I won’t be able to return it. Which Skywatcher mount would you recommend - to be able to track deep sky objects, say using a telescope FL and weight similar to 48p you reviewed? Thanks a lot and subscribed to your amazing channel 😊
Hi I’m looking to get a variable polarising filter for my bday. Do you think I should get the 1.25 Svbony one or the “astro essentials” one from firstlightoptics?
I bought the SV510p for R$400, Brazil. This SV48p costs $225 in the US, much more affordable for astronomy. And one question: What app did you use on your phone? And what comes with the planetary camera?
How does it compare to Celestron's 102mm 6.5? Is the different focuser that much better? Optics and coatings? $300 for the Svbony OTA vs Celestron's complete "Costco" 102 for $270...?
My Celestron 102 has some pinched optics, or it looks like pinched optics because I wasn't able to fix it by loosening the retaining ring. As for the improved version of SVBONY 102mm Sv48p, there's another video on UA-cam where new lens cell was installed, and the optics still aren't great. Actually it's worse than my not perfect Celestron. I'm starting to be afraid of refractors.
@@LearnToStargaze Wow. I'm using an ASIAir Plus and never knew you could do that. I know about the Histogram. Where do i find out how to do that stuff? Thank you.
Is there anyway i can contact u like an messaging app because im new at this and always wanted to do astrophotography but struggle to start please help me😔
@@LearnToStargaze oh im from Vietnam but i got everything sorted out kinda but are there any good tracking mount like those sky watcher but like below 200
@@Drewiii3011 Sorry, I'm not aware of any mounts in that price range. Astrophotography is by nature a very expensive hobby. If you're on a budget, it's best to start with a simply camera on a tripod, and go from there. If you really want deep space images on a sub $500 budget, a Seestar S30 for $350 USD is really the only way.
Thanks for making a good review. My experience with the same scope is similar. Your new lens may be better than my new lens, but mine is definitely better than the original. I'm hoping for some good weather to check it some more.
Nice. Been considering this optical tube. Might consider picking up an SvBony SV231 color correction filter. When used with the Sharp Cap Pro color correction feature, it eliminates purple fringing entirely.
Gah! You are right! I actually think they may have sent that to me a while ago and I forgot to include it in this video! I’ll have to look for it.
Excellent video. I started to get this scope; instead I bought the MEEZAA 80ED. It has a near-perfect lens, the focuser is the same as the SvBony 48P f/5.5, and the cost was very reasonable. I may go back and buy this one later. I also have the SvBony SV48P 90mm f/5.5 that is very good. Excellent telescopes for not a lot of money!
Thanks!
Yes, this does not have ED glass, which makes a big difference for photography (you can see the halos on the stars in the Orion images). Your 80ED would have much better performance with a camera.
lol at least you didn’t need an extra space shuttle launch to fix the lens issue
And invent drizzling 🤣
Great Video!!! I bought a 48P about three months ago... At first i thought it was ok but the more I pushed it the more I came away disappointed with it. Star images were spiky and when in far out of focus there was a huge coma image. I pretty much gave up on it and started using my 6" short tube reflector to take it's place. I figured i would use it for terrestrial use during the daytime. Then i saw your video and decided to give SV Bony a jingle... they asked me to describe the trouble i was having and they agreed that the objective lens was faulty. They are sending me a replacement objective.... Looking forward to seeing what this scope can do with proper optics!!!! Thank you for posting your video!!!
Stars, Cars & Guitars
BTW i have a 102mm SV 48P
That’s awesome they were able to help! What’s your favorite guitar?
GIbson Les Paul!!!
@@johnkory9042a 60’s style Gibson Les Paul is my dream guitar. I’m currently rocking an Epiphone Studio pro Les Paul.
Great video. I purchased this scope based on this review. It arrived today with the new (upgraded) lens. The focuser is smooth. I had first light and am very happy with the optics. Stars are sharp and Jupiter and its moons looked great. As expected, there was CA on Jupiter and Venus, but for me I can live with that. This is replacing a 90mm MAK that I had used as a travel scope. The optics are better than the MAK and it gives me wider views. If you can live with the CA, I don't think there is a better value for the money.
This is a great post. I should compare the 48p side by side with my C90. I bet the views of wide field targets are much better in the refractor.
Great replacement, i've same result when bring the sv48p 102 outside
It would be neat to test the old lens. I had a 90mm objective that had poor images until I found out one of the components had been flipped by the previous owner. I had a 60mm lens that I had to rotate the components to improve the image. Pinched optics is often an issue as well that can be fixed by loosening the cell holder and tapping. Of course, in your case it sounds like SVBONY was aware of the issue.
It looks like the lenses are cemented together, so I don't think it's possible to rotate them.
I would love to see a video covering deep space Astrophotography with a planetary camera such as this one because I (and I’m sure many other people are the same) had a planetary camera a while and want to get started on some deep space with the setup they already have while saving up for a new one, cover targets such as Orion Nebula and parts of the andromeda galaxy on decently low exposure. BTW many people don’t have an asi air so use sharp cap in these tutorials. 👍clear skies
@LearnToStargaze @lemmonFN that would be a great idea would love to see that
All’s well that ends well. I’m surprised (and impressed) that the objective comes apart so easily.
Cool video! Would love to learn more about the introductory imaging approach that you are using.
Thanks Scott! This approach is really only for planets. 🪐 An ASIair and a planetary camera can be used with any telescope setup.
@@LearnToStargazeThanks, John. Wondering if I should give this a try using my scope that looks out through the back window. I imagine low probability of success, but wouldn’t it be great if it worked to some degree?
@@scottm599 The Seestar S30 might be less expensive than the planetary camera alone and planetary imaging is really a finikey process. It can be fun though. Just depends on how much gear you want to accumulate.
Thanks for the review. I've been thinking of getting one for a first serious scope. The sooner the better with the Tariffs coming. Could you cover mounts, please?
It's better to get any dobsonian as a first serious scope, at least 6", better 8". Actually, I just sold my 8", because I know I can see more with my 10". This 102mm SV48p is more like a 2nd "grab&go" scope, or an introduction to astrophotography.
Forcing your customers to replace the objective lens on one of their flagship telescopes does not build my confidence in this brand. Why wasn’t this caught by quality control before it ever started shipping?
I thought that as well. QC needs an optical test stand to check the lenses.
It is a little disappointing, ive looked through one of these and it wasnt bad, though not excellent either... for 300 bucks it wasnt bad,
..but at least they are correcting the issue, also, I would consider this one of their lower end or intermediate scopes, I'd say their 120mm triplet is their flagship.
The 48P line is their low end, not the flagship. The SV550 is their flagship line. I've had the SV503 80ED and it was excellent for the price. Used it for the eclipse in April. Have the SV48P 90mm and not as good as the SV503, but for the price, I'm not complaining.
First this is a low end scope, not even a higher tier from SVBony.. and two, you have to give it to them, they absolutely stand behind everything they sell and will make it right. I'll take that any day over some other budget companies..
For the price you can hardly complain, but getting such an astigmatic lens shows very poor quality control and this should have never been sent, or screwed on a tube. Additionally when you get a completely different lens something doesn't seem right: either they used the wrong lens, or changed the design. Either way: bad QC. Overall I'm pretty happy with SvBony with some products, and after your lens replacement I'd say the performance was on point for the price.
Amazing video and achromat ❤
Thank you very much!
that scope on a track mount would be a good setup. im thinking of buying it so i can do some long moon recordings, video recording for a student project
Nice!
Fast achromats like this one are NOT good for the Moon because of significant chromatic aberrations. Look for f10 refractors like 102/1000mm, or 90/900mm as a cheaper alternative. You can still fit the whole Moon with APS-C camera and a 1000mm scope.
@@A0111.FALSE.
@@LearnToStargaze i have heard that said. People say it’s not good for this or that. Been then they show evidence showing it’s great. I’m still looking to build a new setup. I have had my astromaster 114eg for about 12 years now. It’s a great scope if your patient and take time to learn how to use it. Just need an upgrade. I have also thought about putting the 114 on a tracker. Stick with what I know that way. Undecided. Open to suggestions
@@LearnToStargaze Laws of nature: for achromats the shorter the f-ratio the more prominent chromatic aberrations are. As per the chromatic aberrations chart for achromats, for 102mm of aperture there are minimal or no chromatic aberrations at f=12, i.e. 1224mm of focal length - that's why people buy APOchromats if they need shorter focal length, but for the Moon, and to not break the bank, it's reasonable to go for 102/1000 or similar.
I'd really like to see how this 102mm sv48p works in deep sky narrowband imaging though.
Thank you.
hello! what camera have you used when orion nebula was shot? I think this is way to zoomed in. Maybe I need a lower than 500mm...
This was just using a planetary imaging camera with a very small sensor. There is no zoom in astrophotography, just image scale. A larger sensor would show much more of the nebula and surrounding area.
can you make a guide on the best cameras and stuff for a 16 inch dobsonian?
I don’t think I’d want to attach a camera to a dobsonian that big. Do you have a tracking wedge?
What mount did you use for tracking - is it AVX Celestron mount? Would you recommend this mount for astrophotography - see sky objects? Thanks
The AVX works for astrophotography but it’s a bit finicky. I’ve found the skywatcher mounts a bit more reliable in that weight class.
@@LearnToStargaze Thanks a lot for the info. Really helpful.
Why I asked this question - just bought myself an AVX and wanted to ensure that it the right mount for me. Don’t want to open the box, otherwise I won’t be able to return it.
Which Skywatcher mount would you recommend - to be able to track deep sky objects, say using a telescope FL and weight similar to 48p you reviewed?
Thanks a lot and subscribed to your amazing channel 😊
@@caspase888that would be the HEQ5 like Trevor uses in this video: ua-cam.com/video/jVjp2Krc4c0/v-deo.htmlsi=CwHn1BGcJlymyRJH
You got the Svbony replacement
Hi I’m looking to get a variable polarising filter for my bday. Do you think I should get the 1.25 Svbony one or the “astro essentials” one from firstlightoptics?
I’m familiar with polarized filters, but what’s a variable filter? Are there two and you twist them to control the amount of light that gets through?
@ yep that’s exactly what they are. I really need it for Jupiter and the moon since my heritage 150 is soooo bright
Can you do a video for what items need to observe the sky like a tutorial video.
That’s basically covered in “A Telescope for Every Budget” but it’s a good idea. It really depends on what you’re trying to see.
I bought the SV510p for R$400, Brazil. This SV48p costs $225 in the US, much more affordable for astronomy. And one question: What app did you use on your phone? And what comes with the planetary camera?
The app comes with the ASIair. The astronomy camera comes with a USB cord and a few adapters.
Which application did you use to process the images?
The one included with ASIair.
Was it chromatic aberration or atmospheric dispersion?
If I got mine last week, would it be accurate to say that it was shipped with the correct lens?
Have you tried it yet? It will be pretty obvious if there is an issue.
@ I haven’t and I thank you for your response 🙏
How do you feel it compares in quality to the Omni 102 AZ?
Same optically, but far higher quality focuser, tube, and bracket.
How does it compare to Celestron's 102mm 6.5? Is the different focuser that much better? Optics and coatings?
$300 for the Svbony OTA vs Celestron's complete "Costco" 102 for $270...?
The optical performance may be similar, but the SVbony is more robust.
My Celestron 102 has some pinched optics, or it looks like pinched optics because I wasn't able to fix it by loosening the retaining ring. As for the improved version of SVBONY 102mm Sv48p, there's another video on UA-cam where new lens cell was installed, and the optics still aren't great. Actually it's worse than my not perfect Celestron. I'm starting to be afraid of refractors.
What is the name of the software that you are using when stacking the planets?
It’s part of the ASIair operating system.
@@LearnToStargaze I'm sorry, I meant post processing.
@@cristrigotti9933same answer :-)
@@LearnToStargaze Wow. I'm using an ASIAir Plus and never knew you could do that. I know about the Histogram. Where do i find out how to do that stuff? Thank you.
Is there anyway i can contact u like an messaging app because im new at this and always wanted to do astrophotography but struggle to start please help me😔
Best to meet with your local astronomy club. Back and forth on messenger on these topics is extremely time consuming.
@ in my country there isnt rlly a club. Theres only a group mainly use for selling.
@@Drewiii3011you can reach out at the learn to stargaze website. What city are you in?
@@LearnToStargaze oh im from Vietnam but i got everything sorted out kinda but are there any good tracking mount like those sky watcher but like below 200
@@Drewiii3011 Sorry, I'm not aware of any mounts in that price range. Astrophotography is by nature a very expensive hobby. If you're on a budget, it's best to start with a simply camera on a tripod, and go from there. If you really want deep space images on a sub $500 budget, a Seestar S30 for $350 USD is really the only way.
What app is this?
ASIair
How i can to know if this problem is solved or not, when i go to buy a new SV48P?
You’ll know as soon as you use it. I’m guessing they already recalled the defective ones.
Buy from the official SVBONY stores
I have the 90mm model, what replacement lens would I need can someone send a link on Amazon please
You’d need to email SVbony directly from their website.
@LearnToStargaze I'll have a look thanks is there any way I can buy it directly from somewhere or Is that the only option, thanks for the reply
I don’t really know, I just email them and they seem to respond pretty quick.
@lemon-k3ltry info@svbony.com
@@LearnToStargaze thank you for the email I couldn't find which one on the site
What kind of mount is that.?
StarSense DX
Not really forcing,you don’t have to pay for it.
They use bottoms of milk bottles for lenses 😂
I’m no longer enamoured with SvBony, the quality control is well off.
quality control on svbony products not good at all.
Seems like they are working on it to me.
Watching you handling those lens made me cringe. 🙂 Nice video otherwise.
If you want to really get into this hobby, you should never buy a telescope like this.
You should start with a triplet lens telescope to avoid unnecessary spending.
What hobby are you talking about?