SVBONY SV240 filter reviewed

ScopeTrader’s quick take on the SVBONY SV240 Multi-Narrowband Filter highlights its remarkable capability for urban astrophotography, allowing users to capture deep-sky objects without the need to travel far from light-polluted areas. This 2-inch mounted filter is compatible with most astrophotography systems and efficiently isolates key wavelengths (Ha, OIII, H-Beta), making it versatile for a wide range of targets. With a cut-off depth ≥OD4, it is highly effective in blocking urban light pollution, providing a clearer view of galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters. This makes it an ideal solution for those in cities with higher light pollution levels, such as Bortle 8 regions.

SVBONY SV240 filter reviewed

The SV240 is designed to provide high transmittance (>90%) in the core wavelengths, which helps enhance the signal-to-noise ratio and contrast in images. This filter is perfect for one-shot color cameras, as it does not require the combination of multiple filters to achieve colorful images. It also covers a wide wavelength range from 300 to 1100nm, effectively blocking near-infrared light pollution while allowing users to capture fine details of deep-sky objects. Additionally, the filter’s design enables capturing more details than traditional filters like the SV220, expanding its utility for a broader range of astrophotography applications.

For photographers using NIR-enhanced sensors such as IMX585 and IMX464, the SV240 offers excellent performance. Its strong near-infrared transmission increases image clarity and detail. Furthermore, it works exceptionally well for capturing galaxies, emission nebulae, reflection nebulae, and star clusters. The filter’s ability to isolate target wavelengths, even in light-polluted urban settings, saves time by eliminating the need for long-distance trips to darker skies.

SVBONY SV240 2" Multi-Narrowband Filter specifications

• Brand: SVBONY
• Model: SV240
• Name: Multi-Narrowband Filter
• Size: 2-inch
• Substrate Thickness: 2mm
• Clear Aperture: 44mm
• Wavelength Range: 300-1100nm
• FWHM: 24nm & 20nm & 115nm
• Blocking: OD5@300-450nm
• Blocking: OD4@560-620nm
• Blocking: OD2@690-750nm
• Blocking: OD3@940-1100nm
• Peak Transmittance: T＞95%@486.1nm
• Peak Transmittance: T＞92%@495.9nm
• Peak Transmittance: T>85%@500.7nm
• Peak Transmittance: T>95%@656.3nm
• Peak Transmittance: Tavg>95%@830-870nm
• Surface Quality: 60/40
• Surface Parallelism: 1/4λ
• Thread: M48x0.75
• Single Thread: Yes
• Net Weight: 12.5g / 0.44oz / 0.027lb
   

Resistant of BORTLE 8

The SV240 Multi-Narrowband Filter is designed to work efficiently in urban environments, where light pollution often hampers the quality of astrophotography. With its ability to isolate key wavelengths like Ha, OIII, and H-Beta, it delivers high transmittance, allowing for clear imaging even in areas with significant artificial light. Its wide wavelength coverage, from 300nm to 1100nm, ensures excellent performance in capturing deep-sky objects like galaxies and nebulae, even in high light-pollution regions such as Bortle 8.

This filter stands out for its high compatibility with various astrophotography systems. Unlike other filters that require specific configurations for different setups, the SV240 is versatile enough to work with almost any system, making it a one-stop solution for astrophotographers. Whether you're using a color camera or a monochrome setup, the SV240's multi-bandpass capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of astrophotography targets, from emission nebulae to star clusters.

The inclusion of near-infrared (NIR) transmission in the SV240 further enhances its imaging performance, particularly for modern cameras equipped with NIR-sensitive sensors. This feature allows for improved signal-to-noise ratios and better contrast, which is critical for high-quality astrophotography. Whether you're photographing in the city or in a location with significant moonlight, the SV240 filter is an invaluable tool for capturing stunning, detailed images without the need to venture far from home.

Cuiv captures stunning galaxy photo from Tokyo using the SV240 filter

Cuiv, also known as the Lazy Geek, recently reviewed the SVBony SV240 Multi-Narrowband Filter, sharing his thoughts based on his experience capturing a photo of the Triangulum Galaxy (M33) from Tokyo. The filter, priced around $170 (with occasional discounts), is a dual-band filter that passes light primarily from the oxygen-3 and hydrogen-alpha emission lines, while also incorporating a near-infrared band (750-900 nm). This additional near-infrared range, while not visible to the human eye, is noted for its ability to mitigate light pollution and atmospheric interference.

Cuiv explained that the filter is similar in function to the more expensive IDAS G&B filter, with the added benefit of being more affordable. He tested it using his ZWO IMX 585 camera, a sensor that allows infrared light to pass through, making it compatible with the filter’s additional wavelength. However, he noted that the SV240 might not perform as well with other camera models, such as those using an infrared cut filter, which blocks out the near-infrared spectrum.

The reviewer emphasized that the SV240 filter performed well in terms of light transmission, providing around 94-95% transmission in the visible spectrum, aligning with the filter's specifications. He also confirmed the filter’s wavelength passes were accurate, as measured with a spectrophotometer, ensuring it met the advertised standards.

Cuiv tested the filter on the Triangulum Galaxy and was impressed with the sharpness and detail of the resulting image, describing it as possibly his best-ever shot of the galaxy. However, he did note a slight issue with halos around bright stars, a minor flaw that he attributed to the anti-reflection coatings on his equipment, which are not optimized for infrared. While this could be a concern with certain bright stars, Cuiv found the halos to be relatively controlled.

A significant observation was the color balance of the image. While the nebulae in the galaxy appeared in their proper colors, the galaxy’s core had a somewhat monochromatic greenish tint. Cuiv explained that this was likely due to the camera’s sensor, which has more green pixels than red or blue, causing a greenish cast in the image. He suggested that, although the image’s details were impressive, the color balance might not be as vibrant as desired.

Cuiv’s solution to this issue was to combine the data captured with the SV240 filter with data taken from a standard color camera. He demonstrated this by pairing his filtered image with an earlier color image of the same galaxy. The result was a composite image with enhanced color and reduced light pollution effects. The combined data allowed for a clearer and more vibrant image, making the SV240 filter especially useful for those looking to improve their images of emission nebulae while reducing the impact of light pollution.

In conclusion, Cuiv found the SV240 filter to be a valuable tool for astrophotographers, particularly those working in light-polluted areas like Tokyo. While it might not deliver perfect color reproduction on its own, it excels in capturing detailed images with less interference from light pollution. The ability to combine it with a color image taken with a UV/IR cut filter allows users to create balanced and detailed photos. Cuiv recommended the filter for those on a budget who want to improve their astrophotography without sacrificing too much on quality.

Buy the SVBONY SV240