Svbony SV225 Alt-Azimuth Mount - Full Review

[@mazyar_]

Thank you Bogdan, your reviews are very thoughtful. You are providing a great service to the AA community.

[@janomacko5764]

Nice review, but just like you rotated the base with respect to rest by 180° after unpacking, you can rotate it by additional 60° which will allow for observations near zenith by having the head tilted. It slightly compromises the stability, but it's a standard thing with such mounts.

[@oninoyakamo]

Glad someone mentioned this. Guess Bogdan hasn't seen a Vixen Porta?

[@BogdanDamian]

@janomacko5764 Well, that's a bit embarrassing. I don't know why I didn't think of it. Thanks for pointing it out! This solves the problem with the restricted range of motion, albeit at the expense of stability as you pointed out as well.

[@mackinaw1237]

Yes what I do with my ES Twilight.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

@@mackinaw1237the Svbony sv225 is actually an improved copy of the ES Twilight.

[@janomacko5764]

@@BogdanDamian It's not too obvious with this Svbony mount, perhaps the company should highlight this in their marketing or in the manual.

[@lufrankpiarulli6650]

excellent review as always

[@jpastroguy]

Hey Bogdan, For your information, I do not have any "play" or "looseness" in the SV225 mount unit that I own. Both axis are very secure and tight. Your videos are always very insightful. This time, I think a combination of this video with my SV225 review on Astrophotography Japan (my KZbin channel), all the bases are covered. Cheers! 😄

[@BurningFlame1999]

7:05 - interesting video but the Sv225 can and should be set at a 45 or 60 degree angle to allow raising the telescope at 90 degrees. It’s not meant to be kept vertically, just like the Twilight, Porta, Sparta, etc.

[@BogdanDamian]

@BurningFlame1999 Yes, you are right. I somehow didn't think of this. Later today I'll be releasing a short video where I'll show how this reconfiguration works. Thanks for your feedback!

[@running2standstill685]

I got this mount and i love it, only issue i have is that on the azimuth when you change direction it does not turn right away, will take a quarter twist of the knob before it responds, other than that its great.

[@kriegschwert]

I have the Twilight 1 mount which is very similar, including how you mount the OTA. Instead of sliding mine into the dovetail bracket, I back the locking screws off, lift my OTA by the handle and set the lower edge of the dovetail bar into the bracket then using the carry handle, rock the OTA up flush with the bracket and tighten the locking screws. Makes it much easier especially with a big long and heavy 5inch refractor like what Im currently using.

[@running2standstill685]

Thanks for this, im thinking about getting this one to work opposite my EQ mount, specially when using the free astrohopper app.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

This Svbony mount is actually an improved copy of the Twilight mount. It’s better than the Twilight because it has 2 safety screws instead of just one, it has a handle bar while the Twilight doesn’t and it has 3 bars on the side arm instead of just two for the Twilight. I already ordered one from SvBony, I think it is the best AZ mount on the market right now.

[@MountainFisher]

Get a CG4 Eq mount and fold it over to zero degrees and you've got one very stable Alt Az mount. You can make almost any manual EQ into an AltAz that way. This mount like the Twilight One mount is a Maksutov mount, but you cannot look at zenith unless you push the OTA up far enough to clear the diagonal.

[@supermario8416]

@@MountainFisher yes EQ mounts can be used as AZ but they are a lot heavyer because of the counterweights and much wider because you have to set the mount with the counterweights bar in a lateral position. With the EQ mount you would have an additional 3-5 KG counterweight plus the mount with 2 to 3 KG while the AZ mount is just 1.5 to 2.5 kg.

[@MountainFisher]

@@supermario8416 No you do not need to use the counter weight on the CG-4, you even have to take the bar off too. Is it heavy? Yes, but if you have no other option there it is.

[@k.h.1587]

3/8-16 is standard for camera tripod head attachment, but most telescope tripods use m10, at least in the cg4 and cg5 class mounts

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

I watched the video again and at 6:15 I noticed you could rotate the focuser by 90 degrees with the orange fine tune knob pointing up to be able to use the handle without problems.

[@BogdanDamian]

@3dfxvoodoocards6 Yes, that feature of the sv503 really does make it easier to use in combination with the mount.

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Very nice looking mount!

[@tongzhou930]

just another oem product from China, i have it couple years ago from Jinghua Optics which can adjust angle of the arm that make it can hold long tube telescope possible. And i modified its arm which can be attached a counterweight shaft, eventually it improves stability when holds the telescope like c8

[@SuperBodul]

Received mine today, altitude and azimut scales are inverted. I would say yours is wrong? Double checked it in video and it is diferent on mine, i guess they corrected it. When i turn my azimute clockwise pointer shows in 0° -> 360° direction. Altitude is also logical, when you point it up it goes ->90°. Logic is same for southern hemisfere right?

[@ardellsuhumskie7930]

Is the Azimuth circle backwards, or is this just a result of being backwards in the photography? The Azimuth numbers should increase from 0° to 360° as you rotate the scope "clock-wise".

[@SuperBodul]

Received mine today, scale is correct. When you turn it right (clockwise) it goes 0 -> 360°

[@ardellsuhumskie7930]

@@SuperBodul Thank you! Good to hear, as there were reports of early versions that had it counter-clockwise.

[@lufrankpiarulli6650]

Bogdan, what is your opinion on using this mount with an Orion Tritech II with the head taken off? I would be mounting a very light Lunt 40 mm solar telescope

[@BogdanDamian]

@lufrankpiarulli6650 As long as the maximum load of the tripod legs isn't exceeded, then it should work without a problem. Also make sure that the Orion Tritech II features 3/8 threading for attaching the mount head.

[@lufrankpiarulli6650]

@@BogdanDamian 3/8 not 3/4 correct?

[@BogdanDamian]

@lufrankpiarulli6650 Yes, sorry. I updated my previous reply.

[@SSOUZA]

It can be adjusted to increase elevation. But I didn't like it because I only fitted a specific model of telescope base.

[@running2standstill685]

Thanks for this, im thinking about getting this one to work opposite my EQ mount, specially when using the free astrohopper app.

[@kaffekraemer]

0:50 that's why I sold my 8 inch dob and got an ed80 Refractor on a small az mount

[@woodswalker88]

How are you attaching it to ;your tripod? My Orion tripod has a hole approx 40mm diam. The SV225 base diameter is almost twice that. Is it just sitting on the flat surface with one 3/8 bolt holding it in place? Someone please answer this question so I can buy this mount.

[@BogdanDamian]

@woodswalker88 Yes, the SV225 simply rests on the flat surface of the tripod and is held in place only by the 3/8 bolt that goes through the tripod from below and is screwed into the mount head.

[@leonidcechmistro7351]

Nice review! It gets me dreaming of getting this mount, as I am looking for one like it. At present I am using a CG-4 equatorial mount, on two wooden tripods that I made, originally for my former Astromaster 90mm, but now use for my 81mm ZenithStar. And hopefully one day for a f/4 or 5, 6 inch Newtonian. Clear skies.

[@Vic-pz5oh]

I use an az5 skywatcher and you can adjust the head on it.the svbony looks like an astro essential az first light optics sell.

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

I like the simplicity of the Dobsonian mount and this type of mount also appeals until I see the price. My thought is that it might be better to get a GEM like a CG-4 though that involves a bit more learning on the part of the operator. I noticed that the head only is available which makes sense if one has a tripod to adapt it to. I am wondering if the head it would handle the 122mm SV550 if mounted on a decent tripod?

[@Jason_AstroNovice]

Do you think this mount could support an old 8” sct for visual outreach use (under 15lbs total with all accessories)

[@BogdanDamian]

@Jason_AstroNovice Yes, definitely. It should work without a problem up to 20lbs.

[@Jason_AstroNovice]

@@BogdanDamian Great, thank you so much for the response! Love your videos!

[@supermario8416]

Hello Bogdan, can you please tell me if the Svbony sv225 can support a 8.5 to 9 kg TS Optics 152/900 mm achromat? I use it only for visual observations, not for astrophotography. Thank you.

[@BogdanDamian]

@supermario8416 Hi! Yes, it should support that telescope without a problem provided you have the appropriate tripod legs. For that kind of weight I would recommend at least EQ3 class legs if not EQ5.

[@supermario8416]

@@BogdanDamian yes I have a 1.75 inch steel tripod from Skywatcher, with a weight of 6 kg. Thank you for your answer.

[@scoutisabelle]

I like your review videos, but you really should delete and then redo this review to show that it can actually be adjusted 60° so the scope can reach zenith. Not everyone reads the comments and more than a thousand people have already watched the erroneous information. Plus it makes you not look knowledgable about the mount you're reviewing.

[@johnlancashire9843]

my thoughts as well, its in the booklet why didn't he read it.

[@davidwitt2188]

I consider the fact that most small refractors will not be able to reach the zenith on this to be a major design flaw. That’s a deal breaker for me. A telescope should be able to reach the zenith and that just seems obvious. Perhaps the intended use for this is not small refractors, but small short tube compound telescopes like maks or SC’s?

[@MatthieusStuff]

As pointed out by other comments, this mount is meant to be mounted at a 60° angle which allows to reach zenith.

[@BogdanDamian]

@davidwitt2188 You can rotate the vertical arm in 60° increments, not only 180° like I showed in the video for assembly. Rotating it 60° should tilt the OTA back enough that it won't have a problem pointing straight up. Sorry for missing this in the video.

[@davidwitt2188]

@@BogdanDamian , that is great to hear!

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

I ordered the sv225 mount from Svbony because the delivery time was 8-15 days. Now after almost 3 weeks they didn't sent it yet because they said that they will receive the mount componants from the factory only in a week from now on.... not cool at all. When I purchased it, they showed 1-2 weeks until it will be delivered, but now I will have to way 5-6 weeks at best or even more. And of course they don't want to give me my money back... They deliberatly misinform the customers I think.

[@BogdanDamian]

@3dfxvoodoocards6 I'm sorry to hear that. I'll ask my contact over there if they know something about potential delivery issues right now or if it's just because of the new year holidays over in china. Hope you'll get your mount sooner rather than later.

[@BogdanDamian]

@3dfxvoodoocards6 According to my contact at Svbony, the demand after launch was much higher than anticipated, which is why they quickly ran out of stock. More SV225s are on the way though and they should be able to resume deliveries soon.

[@3dfxvoodoocards6]

@@BogdanDamian Thank you a lot, all I can do is wait and hope that they will finally ship it :)

[@matheusmartignago3824]

Congrats for the Review. Does It hold the SV550 122mm triplet, 6.5 kg apo ?

[@BogdanDamian]

@matheusmartignago3824 Thanks! Yes the SV225 holds the 122 APO including 1-2kg of gear without a problem. It is rated for 10kg max load and it should hold that with no issue.

[@MervinDeJager-o2s]

Don't know if you did or didn't mention it, or if I missed the information, but can you state the tripod and where you obtained it from please?

[@BogdanDamian]

@user-uy6bi8fp9h Its the SV225 AZ mount head from Svbony on the AZ2 tripod from Skywatcher. Here is a link to the mount head: amzn.to/3IaThi8 It will fit on any tripod with a 3/8" screw.

[@PauI__]

Now that is solid looking mount head Bogdan did you ever used Baader Contrast Booster filter on the sv503? I read it cuts the little CA that semi apo scopes have on bright objects improving contrast in the same time, the downside is you get s slight yellow tint

[@BogdanDamian]

@PauI__ Hi Paul, I didn't get the chance to use the contrast booster filter yet, but I'm planing on doing so in the future. It sounds interesting.

[@PauI__]

@@BogdanDamianwould be great interest maybe for the public a comparison between Baader Contrast Booster and Baader Semi Apo filters, the semi apo is said to be not that aggresive, both seem to be the most remarcable filters out there

[@edf2953]

Another great video Damian. Good to see you again or have I been missing you? Hope all is well. Ed

[@BogdanDamian]

Hello Ed! I thought the same thing about you when I read your comment. I did miss you in the comments for my last couple of videos. I'm great, thanks for asking. I hope you are doing well too!

[@edf2953]

Hi Bogdan . I must have missed your recent productions. I must do better in paying attention when you drop a new video. Have a good evening! Ed

[@edf2953]

Hi Bogdan. First my apologies for addressing you by your last name as opposed to your fist name. My bad. I rewatched this video and started wondering if you create your videos without any breaks and/or if you record the video without any interruptions. There are no visible break points in the video as I see on other KZbin productions. Just curious. Do you script out your commentary in advance or do you create bullet points to assist your commentary. Anyway your productions are very well done and I enjoy the content as well. Keep up the good work and appreciate you sharing with the community. Ed

[@BogdanDamian]

@edf2953 Hi Ed, don't worry about it. When I record a video I first brainstorm what I roughly want to say in the video. I then take these break points and add in more and more details until I have a script containing all the information I want to pack in the video. The video isn't a single take as more often than not I need to re-record segments where I feel I wasn't clear enough the first time or where I feel that making a change would help better drive home a point I'm trying to make. Then in post-processing I "stitch" everything together for the final video. Anyway, thank you for your feedback, its much appreciated! Bogdan

[@k.h.1587]

Astrophotography on an az pronto? The moon maybe