Low cost telescope SVBONY SV48P review

Posted on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 by RUSS SCRITCHFIELD, Associate Editor

The SVBONY SV48P 90mm F5.5 Refractor Telescope is currently priced at $229.99, down from its list price of $339.99, this telescope is designed to meet the needs of both novice and experienced astronomers. The SV48P is particularly well-suited for deep sky astrophotography and visual astronomy, boasting outstanding optics and high-quality mechanical components.

Low cost telescope, the SVBONY SV48P: A budget-friendly option for deep sky astrophotography and visual astronomy

The SVBONY SV48P features a 90mm aperture and a focal length of 500mm, resulting in a focal ratio of F/5.5. The telescope's doublet air spaced achromatic design and fully multi-layer coated (FMC) lens ensure clear and bright images. This model comes equipped with a 2-inch RAP double-speed focuser, providing precise focusing capabilities essential for astrophotography. The focuser is also 360-degree rotatable, adding versatility and ease of use. Additionally, the telescope includes a dovetail plate and a wide rack design, enhancing its stability and mounting options.

Weighing 2730 grams (96.3 ounces) and packed in a compact 490x215x230mm box, the SV48P is portable and easy to handle. The telescope's eyepiece barrel diameter is 2 inches, but it also comes with a 1.25-inch adapter, making it compatible with a wide range of eyepieces. With its impressive build quality and features, the SVBONY SV48P stands out as a competitive option in the budget telescope market, appealing to astronomy enthusiasts looking for a reliable and capable instrument without breaking the bank.


Features

  • Fully Multi-layer Coated Lens
  • 90mm Aperture
  • Focuser 1:10
  • 360-degree Rotatable
  • Dovetail Plate
  • Wide Rack Design
  • 2-inch RAP Double Speed Focuser
  • 2"-1.25" Adapter
     

In summary, the SVBONY SV48P 90mm F5.5 Refractor Telescope offers excellent value for its price. Its combination of high-quality optics, robust mechanical components, and user-friendly design makes it an attractive choice for those interested in exploring the night sky through both visual observation and astrophotography.

Specifications

  • Brand: SVBONY
  • Model: SV48P
  • Aperture: 90mm
  • Optic Coated: FMC
  • Objective Lens: Doublet air spaced achromatic design
  • Focal Length: 500mm
  • Focal Ratio: F/5.5
  • Eyepiece Barrel Diameter: 2-inch (1.25-inch adapter)
  • Focuser: 2-inch RAP Double-speed Focuser
  • Net Body Weight: 2730g / 96.3oz
  • Packing: 490*215*230mm
     

Ed Ting's review of the SVBONY SV48P 90mm f/5.5 Telescope

In a detailed review of the SVBONY SV48P 90mm f/5.5 Telescope, renowned astronomy blogger Ed Ting does a detailed examination of the features and performance offered by a very low-cost refractor, coming in at just $199 after a discount. The SV48P is portrayed as a strong choice for people ranging from beginners to advanced astronomers and, indeed, those who are into the world of astrophotography. Ting's review is an in-depth look at the build quality, ease of use, and pure optics of the telescope—a useful resource for anyone looking to purchase this model. He notices very good build quality and finishing, among probably the best at this price offered in the market; however, he also shares several compatibility issues with other equipment and an awful lot of play in the focuser, which several users complain about.

That being said, Ting is mostly positive about the telescope's performance, especially when compared with other budget offerings, such as the Orion Short Tube 80, so he adds that a good mount will be a key for the best experience. He used it mounted on a photographic tripod, but although it could be used on a photographic tripod or even a mount specifically made to carry a telescope to be very steady and easy to manipulate. In general, Ting shows the possibilities of the telescope with lovely celestial objects such as the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn along with some deep sky objects like the Pleiades, Orion Nebula, and Andromeda Galaxy. In terms of optics, some level of chromatic aberration can be seen in Ting's examples, but he finds it acceptable for a cheap achromat telescope. Ting also points out, from his experience, that there are more investments in gear required to exploit the telescope at full potential; he spent almost $4,000 on his own setup. Now, onto the price. Ting says that the SVBONY SV48P gives acceptable images for its worth, but the Orion Observer 134, overall, is much more valuable since it has the mount and eyepieces included for a comparable total telescope price. Watch his full review below.

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