SVBONY 122mm APO Astrophotography Review

It's no secret that I really like this scope. The new 122mm aperture F7 Triplet from SVBONY is a winner for me. With the focal reducer and flatter its f5.6 which is moderately fast and quite sharp. It supports 35mm sensors though with some vignetting. Though for APSC size sensors there is little to none. I can hardly wait to have enough money saved to put a larger Mono sensor on this scope. Probably next year I can do that. The scope is very sharp optically and I really cannot find any flaws in it at all.
Here is the latest product page. With prices.
www.svbony.com...
For more information about it this is the main web page.
www.svbony.com...
SVBONY has also been making numerous posts about it on their blog here.
www.svbony.com...
Here is an affiliated link where you can buy astronomy gear and support my channel.
www.astrogear....

[@DB-be9wy]

You're looking a LOT better mate. Still sending prayers your way. Thank you for making videos during these trying times.

[@TheGoKidd]

+1 on this, Ben!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Much appreciated

[@gazza9839]

Good to see you looking so well, fingers crossed and sending positive thoughts from the UK .

[@derekbaker3279]

Thanks for the wonderfully detailed, and very useful feedback regarding the scope, Ben!👍Also, congrats on your purchase of your first 'big boy' refractor, and 'welcome to the club'!(*)👍Great point re: Fireflies & Light Pollution! I will have to remember that point, along with the fact that their loss represents damage to the region's food web, even in semi-rural locations. 🤔Last, but *by far* the most important, I hope & pray that the chemo treatments are starting to win the war against the evil "Mr. C"!!! 🙏 (*) For the benefit of folks who are drooling over Ben's new scope....one warning with apo refractors: "Aperture Fever" is always a danger in this hobby, but it's especially dangerous with apo refractors. With apos, the cost of the optics goes up *exponentially* with increasing aperture ! In the case of Newtonians & other reflective optics, the cost of the finished mirrors certainly increases with aperture, but not as rapidly (although mount requirements, especially for astrophotography do...).😀

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

You bring up something I should have mentioned in this video. The cost relative to their 80mm. While this scope is twice the size it is not 3x the price. And interesting fact that SVBONY was able to scale this one up without massive increase. However the rule for most refractors is still a reality. Larger exponentially increase the price. Though they're 80 and 122mm compared to each other seam to be an exception.

[@derekbaker3279]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Oh! That's interesting!🤔I wonder if the smaller than expected price difference is due to (a) really large volumes produced for the most common sizes of apo lenses made by Chinese manufacturers, (b) the availability of the grades of glass blanks they use for 80mm and 122mm lenses are the same, (c) the fact that machine grinding/polishing (and touch-ups if they do that) plus coating of 80mm and 122mm lenses are both quick & easy, plus (d) assembly, collimation, and construction of the tube assembly for 80mm and 122mm are also very similar.🤔

[@JeffCounsil-rp4qv]

@@derekbaker3279 The company that makes the SVBONY ED doublets and ED Triplets is the same one that makes other high-end refractors. The SV550 80mm and 122mm have the same focuser as the Stellarvue SV70T Triplet (and some other SV models). The SV550 80mm does not have the rotating focuser which is the same as the SV70T. You need to buy the CAA if you want to rotate your imager. I own the SV550 80mm and 122mm as well as an SV70T focuser so I know what I am talking about. What helps the SVBONY Triplets price-wise is the center lens element is FPL-51 and the other two Lanthanum. And at a native F/7 it is perfectly fine and right up there with FPL-53 and FDC-100 glass types. However where the latter types come into play are for the shorter F/R scopes which better controls the spurious color. At F/6 and faster, you would want the FPL-53 and FDC-100 as long as the workmanship on the lenses is top notch. I have looked through many with FPL-53/FDC-100 and nearly all showed color visually. Very little, but still there so even the "better" glasses don't always help. This SV550 122mm has zero color because it is F/7 and fine workmanship. They literally hit it out of the park with this 122mm Triplet. Some optician found the key to make this glass combination work! The right figure, and the right spacing. BTW, the same manufacturer also makes the Astro-Tech scopes and many others. Price differences are because of the "options" the brands want at the time of ordering.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

@@derekbaker3279 Could be some or all of those.

[@WilliFromEarth]

Indeed very impressed and deeply touched on how you are coping and not giving up an inch!

[@stevepaskey4177]

Nice to see another astrophotographer that rocks a Real Deal hat 🤠Thanks for the great content Ben.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

You rock too! Love that hat. I can make up all sorts of wild stories and people fall for them. Lol

[@kendemers8821]

The courage you exhibit dealing with cancer and the treatments is inspirational. Godspeed to you and thanks for some very helpful astronomy videos.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you!

[@paulholdsworth2502]

Ben, thanks for your in depth review and from your images it's very impressive. Even more impressive is how you're still able to find the energy to continue to make great content despite everything you're going through. Everyone is rooting for you 👍

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I appreciate that! Some days the only thing I have strength for is editing these videos.

[@JoeJaguar]

Hi I just found your channel. great video. I just subscribed to you. First iam glad your doing ok now. As you can guess i also have a astro channel but iam manilly viusual. I am also going to review this scope but manilly for the visual part of Astronomy. I hope you keep getting stronger with time and i look forward to seeing more of your video now. Cheers BTW i was wondering when i was watching your video i saw some glitches a few times now when you mention the firefly's i know know what that was.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks for subbing! yes those are fire flies. In the country they still exist. But city light kill them.

[@JoeJaguar]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel I have been to country skies as well portal zone, two right average of 6to 7 times a year and I still don’t see them It could be a particular time as well, like in spring or fall or weather

[@DennisCowell-l2o]

Hey Ben, thank you so much for the work you do in educating us all in astrophotography. I, too, recently received my svbony 122mm, and your videos have helped me out tremendously. Your images are simply stunning. It's amazing that you are doing all of this while fighting cancer. You are an inspiration to us all. Keep up the good fight. You got this!!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you and enjoy that big APO!

[@meibergstrmandersen9181]

Ben, truly impressive you find time and energy to inform and educate us with your findings. I’m sure we’re many rooting for you. And by the way, even I just acquired an Altair Wave 115mm triplet, there’s learnings to be found in your review. Much appreciated 👍

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I appreciate that!

[@dgdave2673]

Wishing you a speedy recovery and back to best health soon brother!

[@Ben_Stewart]

Looking strong. That's a great point in the beginning. So many imagers getting wrapped up in powerful scopes that they quickly get frustrated with. I know because I am guilty of the same. Took me 5 years to learn how to use my C11 properly.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Well said! A C11 is a lot of scope too!

[@joedenisco6033]

Ben, You continue to amaze us. You will be back to being the adonis of the Astro world thanks to your attitude and spirit. I was so glad to see you pumped over this bigger refractor. I have a 140PH that will be my sidekick, once I get this RASA stuff out of my system. You are an inspiration to many. STAY STRONG! Joe D

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Wow, thank you! 140PH is a big boy. RASA scare me a bit though with allll the calibration. But maybe it's not that bad. After all I find calibrating a newtonian easy.

[@lzwnn]

Looking good! Those images are incredible and I loved the bonus firefly show!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Me too!

[@aw7425]

Another very detailed video. We really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Thank you. As always may you and your family have clear skies forever and a day. 🙏🙏💕💕

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you! You too!

[@Dana_Watson]

Really glad to see you toughing it through the treatments. Great review and I loved the exit music. Caught me off guard. Unexpected and catchy lol

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Ya I found that music online. The composer wrote it for a video game and last minute the game company went with other music so he made it open source. Shame on them cause it's a good soundtrack.

[@alajmiq8]

Wow great photos m8 , more white and still cool and unique ❤

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@alandyer910]

Thanks for your reviews and tutorials. Wishing you all the best!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Glad you like them!

[@whatmattersmost6725]

Can't wait for the Rotator calibration video! Thank you!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

You and me both!

[@DinoDematteis-wx9ou]

Thanks for this review. My first scope was the Svbony 70 doublet which worked very well for the price point, i have switched to the Askar 65phq, but i am seriously considering the Svbony 122. It sounds like it performs as well as the Askar but with more aperture and focal lenght. Stay strong, you are looking great for your situation. Hope to see more videos from you in the future!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I love shots ASKAR scopes too. The 260 RC is one I drool over often. Maybe someday when I have a permanent observatory.

[@kevinhanley3023]

Hey Ben: Kevin here. I was at the Orange Blossom Special Star Party with my Esprit 120 when I awoke to a free-floating strip of Teflon (FOD) inside the scope and showing up as a rectangular shadow in images. The OEM focuser was falling apart because it was a bad design. Adhesive holding Teflon is dumb. No adjustment sensitivity present. I bought a Feathertouch. No sensitivity to adjustment. Sensitivity to adjustment may be your scopes design defect. Oh, checked the SVBony price. I paid too much.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Feathertouch is probably about the best focuser you can get.

[@williammitchell3586]

An interesting and enjoyable assessment, I truly hope this man makes a full recovery. I enjoyed his review.

[@jeffslade1892]

Keep strong. Get well.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you Jeff!

[@andrewhayes3450]

Thank you so much for this review. Very much appreciated. And, hoping your treatment is going well!

[@DSOImager]

Great review Ben. Looks very similar but a little bigger than the at115edt i picked up a couple of years ago. Looking forward to your video in correcting the tilt. Mine has some tilt but I've just been ignoring it since it doesn't impact the 4/3 sensor too much. Eventually I'll upgrade to an imx571 and I'll have to get that squared away then. CS!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I looked at the specks and both scopes are the same weight you just gave I think 8% more light with the larger scope.

[@williammitchell3586]

Great images and lovely music!!

[@Neanderthal75]

Great review Ben! My good old 80mm Svbony is still my most trusted scope, as far as pinpoint stars, despite the CA it has being a doublet, it's what I use as the base standard for anything else I buy. I recently bought (and returned) 2 other doublets and I said, If they cannot do as well as the $450 scope, then why would I want them, especially if they cost more money? I've been looking into getting a larger triplet, but I got some financial priorities that comes before buying astro-gear.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Totally agree

[@dumpydalekobservatory]

Great review Ben & images at the end of the video to, I love the fireflies in the video & I hear you regarding light pollution as I've never seen any Glow worms here in the Uk & I live in a Bortle 4 area, you're looking well so wishing you all the best & a speedy recovery.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

In the city they were rare but in the country they are just everywhere. You can't walk very far without physically colliding with one.

[@WilliFromEarth]

Great review as always. I have a 130 mm apo for a few weeks now. Absolutely loving that size. I couldn’t agree more with your praising of big apo.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Here is to another big APO :)

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Dang! That's a beauty, just like my supertele's for birding stuff, EVERYTHING is magnified ...

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Very true with them too.

[@sjpp71]

Great video, Ben! Comprehensive review, your enthusiasm about this scope makes me wanting to go and get one! Terrific images that you have captured with it. Thanks for the high quality content you're sharing with us. We are rooting for you. All the best!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1fastbunny]

Wishing you all the best, you are a trooper.

[@RTFM70]

Good luck with your latest Chemo. Best wishes 🙏

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks man. They reduced my dose so its going better this round.

[@hael8680]

3:10 That's something I'd love to see you do, when you are better. I have never heard of that adjustment yet. Hope you feel better soon!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Its not hard but requires precision. This one though is so close.

[@JarrodMcKitterick]

Thank you for the review. Working my way to a big boy scope. As an aside, what a wonderful place for astrophotography. Would love to explore the sky while surrounded by fireflies. I do miss them.

[@TL1000S97]

Beautiful images. Inspiring video 😍

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Many thanks!

[@Mrcloc]

Awesome! And much respect. A lot of effort goes into videos like this. I use a 190mm SV106 50mm with an ASI224 to guide my 1200mm Newtonian with ASI178. A ratio of almost 1:10, and I'm getting 0.6" rms and better. I used to use a 600mm guide scope and guiding wasn't any better. The sub-pixel guiding algorithms are incredible.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Very nice!

[@gooe9561]

You're setting a good example.

[@JeffCounsil-rp4qv]

Excellent Ben! Yes we have fireflies here as well just 2 hrs upstream from you. 😁 I bought the Stellarvue D-Style plate and riser blocks to be sure the 122mm clears the tripod legs with my mount. Makes for lots of space between the scope and mount and could easily fit the ASIAir and more and can be shielded from dew with a cover using velcro. Even a separate dew heater controller will easily fit. I have a spare dew controller I can let you use until you can get something once you're back to work. You WILL get back to work, it's just a matter of time. 🙏 I'll PM you on CN. I was with you at CSSP for the visual test so I can attest to the sharpness of the optics.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thanks Jeff. ZWO is sending me another ASIAIR Plus soon. The new one to test and use. I'll probably buy it but first I am waiting to see what my CT scan looks like next week.

[@TheTabugman]

Watched this and pulled the trigger. With the reducer, a bag, a handle bar and dew strap it's about $1530 + shipping during March. 👍

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Its a great buy

[@TheTabugman]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Thanks. I always get a bit of anxiety after splurging these amounts of money, but there we are. Looking forward to using it!

[@whatmattersmost6725]

Thank you Ben!

[@maximebrassard2435]

Awesome video, I know nothing about astro but a medium amount about cameras and I learned a lot.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Great to hear!

[@whatmattersmost6725]

Just ordered the 1.25/2" Ep laser. Hoping to 3D print your centering cap? I got this because of you! Thank you!! GET BETTER!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@langsoosten1875]

Danke! You are awesome and inspiring! Thank you so much! Jan

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

You are so welcome!

[@Space-Stuff]

Hey Ben, really fine review and great advice. I was just wondering if you were still happy with the SVBony's SV220 Duo Band Filter. I have a SV220 and I have been using that with my ASI2600MC Pro and I must say, I love the results, even under a moonlit sky. I just imaged the Eastern Veil Nebula, from down here in Astor, Florida, about 30 miles west of Daytona Beach, the other night and the Blues and Red colors are awesome. I am very happy with this filter. Anyway, I like SVBony's products. I use several of them but I don't have any of their telescopes, yet. Thanks again for your video and prayers that you get well very soon. Sincerely, Rich Williams Astor, Florida 32102 USA!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you for your prayers Rich. I think they are working. Will know soon. Yes i to like the filter. Been using it more and more. I still prefer the flexibility of my mono cameras though.

[@joekeller5105]

Thanks! For everything!!! Lots of good info

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

You bet Joe!

[@servicecatchers3190]

You are extremely inspiring ❤❤❤❤

[@sebastiny]

Hi Ben. Been following your channel for a while. Glad you are well now. Are you able to make a video on how to fix the focuser tilt? I tried messing the 3 screws on the rotator, but no luck to get anything moving. Thanks!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Tilt should be done on the camera.

[@solutions2exist556]

God Bless You. May Jesus shine his healing graces on you. I love your work! Thank you.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you brother.

[@esanof]

very useful review. thanks a lot!

[@kevinhutchinson8129]

Hi Ben.... another great video on SVBONY's 122mm F7. You're really wanting to make me pull the trigger on this one, as I already have the SVBONY SV550 80mm APO OTA ASI1600MM Pro, ZWO electronic filter wheel and EAF focuser, mounted on an AM5 with ASIAIR Plus, all of which I've been very happy with. But I've been thinking of of upgrading. 2 questions, if you don't mind:1. Which Losmandy rail are you using on the scope? 2. If purchasing the new 122mm, would you also suggest getting their 360 degree Rotator when using the 0.8 reducer/flattener? Or is that too much added length to maintain back focus? Many thanks, if you're able to find the time to answer. P.S.. I am also concerned about the weight, as I am just 3 wees out of surgery for a lobectomy on my upper right lung and will be starting my Chemo/Immuno therapy in about another 3 weeks. We do what we must and keep pushing forward! Thanks again.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Hi Kevin. The rotator now has degree markings on it which I think is actually pretty cool however I still prefer to rotate the entire tube. If you do want it though I would put the rotator between the reducer and the scope this way back focus is not affected and if its nice and straight should minimize the need to redo flats. About the weight. It is a heavier scope but considering the entire weight of your current rig it would not had a huge amount. Best wishes to you with your chemo and immuno therapy. The tell me that process is a good one. Much easier to recover from than my FOLFOX Chemo I am on.

[@kevinhutchinson8129]

Thanks very much for your reply!

[@hael8680]

10:27 OSC?? From the NARROWBAND CHANNEL!? Just teasing you mate! 😉 If you have a dark sky, the modern OSCs will give surprising results.

[@nikaxstrophotography]

That scope is definitely showing a lot of promise, I'd be interested in seeing how you fix the focus tilt, if you are well enough to do so, All the best, Thinking of you

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

It's so minor though. I am tempted to leave well enough alone.

[@ColeDedhand]

After a ton of soul searching I have narrowed my "apex" scope choice to this or the RASA8. The question I haven't been able to answer is am I willing to give up any visual use to get peak ap performance... I do have other scopes that I can use for visual but a big apo refractor just gives a premium eyepiece experience.

[@Dana_Watson]

Just a quick question - have you by chance tried any of the add-on helical focusers for guide scopes? I know you did a review on the svbony sv165 vs zwo guide scope. I would've commented on that video, but I'm in the middle of a million things and posted on the first one I came to lol

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Yes I have used them. Waist of money I think. A touch soft is actually beneficial to guiding anyway.

[@Dana_Watson]

Very good to know! I saw them earlier and was wondering.

[@jster91]

I think I need to start saving for scope #2. :)

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Its a great #2

[@SiFiCey]

Привет Бен, я смотрю тебя Из России, мне нравится твой канал. Я недавно подписан, я желаю тебе выздоровления и всего самого хорошего!

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thankyou! What part? Russia is so huge. My college roommate was from mosco

[@Nabby13]

Great video. Question: how does the weight of this scope compare to that of AT115EDT? Thanks.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Someone else asked the same thing. It's the same but you het a little more aperture and a much better focuser. 8% more light.

[@woody5109]

Just going to throw this out there, I’m finding that my images are really crisp without a guide scope, I run a 200mm Orion reflector on a EQ6r pro. I just haven’t purchased a guid scope yet but the results are surprisingly good? Any suggestions on a guide scope?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Probably a 60mm guid scope.

[@deltacx1059]

1:02. I'm just going to say if you jump into astro from nothing like I did then don't blow 500$ on just the scope and a triplet is not required for one shot color, a good doublet is still pretty good. (I built a 131mm doublet for around 350$ if you don't count the field flattener so a smaller doublet around that price isn't going to be bad in most cases.) It's the mount that will make or break you anyway.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Have you check our my 120mm achro scope video? I did it i think two years ago. Saved me like 2600$ over getting a triplet.

[@deltacx1059]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel haven't seen that one yet, might need to find it later and watch it. Astro may not be cheap but there are Definitely ways to make it way cheaper.

[@benedictcumberbatch4275]

How is the standard viewing with this scope? Say just looking at jupiter or Saturn? Non- Astro photography.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I did a separate video for visual observing on the channel

[@S12Astro]

Thanks

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Thank you12Astro!

[@AmatureAstronomer]

Interesting.

[@drunk_astronomy]

Whats your average guide error on the harmonic drive with a scope that large?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

Last night i was averaging rms of 0.37” and worse nights are no worse then 0.77”

[@drunk_astronomy]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Nice! I’m so looking forward to getting one in the near future.

[@WilliFromEarth]

@@TheNarrowbandChannelis that with the 40mm guide scope?

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

@@WilliFromEarth No I am using the DUO so its guiding at 680mm through the narrowband filter.

[@WilliFromEarth]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel Thanks!

[@mikemuha7537]

Does anyone know if this telescope has air gapped lenses? Cannot find the answer anywhere.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

They are air spaced.

[@lostmypicks]

My toxic trait is hearing this is second scope and deciding to make it my first scope anyway lol

[@JamesBossert]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@MatthewHolevinski]

There's places that don't have fireflies? Seriously? HaHaHA, sucks to be them.

[@MatthewHolevinski]

Now that I think about it, I've only ever seen people throw out subs due to vibration or clouds. I throw out subs that are completely blown out from some giant yellow streak going across my frame like a supernova.

[@fenice319]

I wish this scope was just as cheap in the EU, as of right now it's costs around 1.9k € which is considerably more than equivalent ts-optics scopes

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

TS rules the euro market.

[@fenice319]

@@TheNarrowbandChannel it's also one of the few good options in terms of price, stuff like William optics is super expensive. Same goes for other equipment too, cameras go from 200€ more expensive on the 533mc to 1k for the 2600mc

[@Svbony]

Maybe it's not that expensive on the official website，hah.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

very true. @@fenice319

[@fenice319]

@@Svbony I took the price from your own website, it's around 300€ more expensive than the ts counterpart

[@hael8680]

10:27 OSC?? From the NARROWBAND CHANNEL!? Just teasing you mate! 😉 If you have a dark sky, the modern OSCs will give surprising results.

[@TheNarrowbandChannel]

I know ;) cant wait to get the mono version and. Afulll filter wheel. Sho ans lrgb.