A Work Commenced November 12 2022
Product: Svbony SV202 8 x 42 ED
Country of Manufacture: Hong Kong
Chassis: Textured rubber armoured Magnesium alloy
Exit Pupil: 5.25mm
Field of View: 131m@1000m(7.5 angular degrees)
Eye Relief: 17.5mm
Dioptre Compensation: +/- 3
Close Focus: 2m advertised, 2.27m measured
Coatings: Fully broadband multicoated, dielectric and phase coatings on BAK4 roof prisms
ED Glass: Yes
Waterproof: Yes IPX7 rating
Nitrogen Purged: Yes
Weight: 720g advertised, 720g measured
Dimensions: 15 x 11.5 cm
Accessories: Padded soft case, logoed neoprene neck strap, ocular and objective covers, microfibre lens cleaning cloth, instruction manual
Warranty: 1 year
Price(US): $179.99
The old Latin proverb, Omne trium perfectum, came to mind as I finally got a chance to look though the new Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED. After discovering the many virtues of both the compact 8 x 32 and full-size 10 x 42 from the same series, and communicating my findings with the general community, a great many people have benefited from using these binoculars and reported on their amazing optics and ergonomics. Despite receiving attacks from online trolls and a few individuals who hate me and my work for no cause, they got egg on their faces as interest in these binoculars went viral(preamble 3 is only one of several threads available to peruse online). More and more favourable reports kept coming out, making these instruments go from strength to strength across the world, where they have shattered once and for all the myth that excellent binoculars can only be had by shelling out large sums of money.
I’m delighted to say that those days are well and truly behind us now!
As soon as the new 8 x 42 had been launched, I immediately received a barrage of emails requesting a review. After thinking about it a little while, I decided to act on these requests – it just seemed to be the right thing to do. The instrument was not yet available on Amazon, the online retailer that I had bought the SV 202 8 x 32 and 10 x 42 ED models from, so I went to Svbony’s Website and ordered it directly from them. My order was placed on October 20 and the instrument arrived safely on the afternoon of November 1. I paid $179.99 US to secure my order but had to pay an additional 20 per cent import tariff in order for the binocular to clear customs, so about £200 all in.
First Impressions & Ergonomics
Just like the previous two models, the Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED arrived in the same neat little box. Inside, the same black soft padded case housed the instrument, with the rain guard and tethered objective lens covers attached. The box also contained a padded neoprene logoed neck strap, a lens cleaning microfibre cloth and multi-language instruction manual and warranty information.
The instrument was immaculately presented with its durable magnesium alloy chassis overlaid with a tough non-oxidising rubber armouring, and presenting the same ridges at the side of the barrels as the other models for excellent gripping in all weathers. Inspecting the innards of the binocular from the objective end, I was relieved to find that everything looked immaculate, with no signs of streaks on the optics, dust or other debris inside. The knife-edge baffles looked nicely machined and the inside painted a dull matt black to optimise contrast.
Examining the focus wheel, I was delighted to see that it was silky smooth and backlash free, taking 1.5 turns anticlockwise to go from one extreme of its focus travel to infinity and a little bit beyond. Tension is excellent – just as good as on the 10 x 42 ED and not quite as tight as on the 8 x 32 ED model(which niggled me a little).
The twist-up eyecups are also excellent. Fashioned from machined metal overlaid with soft rubber, they have three positions to accommodate the vast majority of users, including those who wear eyeglasses. They lock into each position with a reassuring ‘click’ and remain very rigidly in place. Indeed, from memory, they appear to be very similar to those found on the excellent Nikon Monarch HG binocular series. The eye relief is more than sufficient to view the entire field with glasses on, as my tests showed.
The right-eye dioptre adjustment ring is located under the eyepiece. It has excellent texture and tension to enable the user to quickly and accurately find his/her desired setting. Unlike the majority of binoculars in this price range, the plus and minus settings are easy to see and a white dot makes it easy for you to remember your preferred setting. Once adjusted, it remains rigidly in place for hassle free observing.
The single bridge is fairly short, allowing the user to wrap his/her fingers around the front of the barrels securely to ensure supremely comfortable handling.
The broadband anti-reflection coatings have a beautiful purple hue in broad daylight. They appear very evenly applied and appear to almost disappear when viewed from oblique angles. The 42mm objective lenses are nicely recessed, affording good protection from stray light, dust and rain. The ocular lenses are large and easy to centre one’s eyes in.
Overall, and in keeping with my comments on the 8 x 32 and 10 x 42 models, the fit and finish on the Svbony SV202 8 x 42 ED is excellent. And just like its siblings, it looks and feels like a real class act, being quite lightweight(720g) and a particular joy to handle. These binoculars were clearly built with longevity in mind, and all I can say is that there is nothing in the design of these instruments that gives me any grounds for doubt.
Optical Assessment
In my experiences testing dozens of models in this aperture class over the years, I’ve encountered many that look the part only to discover that their optics were, let’s just say, underwhelming. I’m delighted to report that the optics of the SV 202 8 x 42 ED did not disappoint! To give the reader an honest and thorough idea of how good this binocular is, I took the liberty to test it alongside two other instruments in the same aperture class: the Hawke Endurance ED 8 x 42 retailing at just over £200 and the more expensive GPO Passion ED 8 x 42 costing £404.
First examining the image of an intensely bright beam of white light directed into the instruments from across a darkened indoor setting, the results from the Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED were really excellent! It stubbornly refused to show up any internal reflections, unlike the Hawke Endurance ED, which showed up some prominent ones in comparison. Nor was there any diffused light around the light source in the Svbony unlike the Hawke which was easy to see in comparison. Clearly, the Svbony has noticeably superior coatings and baffles to stubbornly block off these annoying optical artefacts. Now, when I compared the Svbony to the GPO Passion ED 8 x 42, the results were a lot closer but I must report that the Svbony also showed slightly better resistance to internal reflections than the GPO. Indeed, predictably enough, I obtained the same results when I turned the instruments on a bright full Moon and a sodium streetlamp after dark. Internal reflections and diffused light were quite obvious in the Hawke and much better in the GPO but I was still able to make out some weak internal reflections in the GPO binocular in comparison to the Svbony, which showed none in comparison. These are excellent results, and quite in keeping with the two other SV202 models I purchased and tested in my past evaluations(see Preamble 1 & 2 above).
Next, taking a look at the exit pupils aimed at a bright, artificial light source, I was delighted to see that the large exit pupils on the Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED were perfectly round, with little in the way of light bleeds in their vicinity as the photos below show;
So how are the views through the Svbony SV202 8 x 42ED? In a word: excellent! The image is very bright and razor sharp across the vast majority of the field. The binocular shows lovely micro-contrast details. Images snap to focus with absolutely no ambiguity. You’re either in focus or out of focus. No fiddling required! Contrast and colour rendering are also excellent. Glare is very well supressed but not quite as good as the best binoculars I’ve sampled in the £800 + range. On a CN thread I initiated on the SV202 8 x 32 ED I made the comment that Svbony were better off making the field of view a little smaller to reduce the severity of the field curvature seen near the field stops. I believe Svbony has listened and actively addressed the problem. The view is wide(7.5 angular degrees) but not overly so. This makes the sweetspot proportionately larger in the 8 x 42 than either the 8 x 32 or the 10 x 42 models previously assessed. How big? I’d estimate that its razor sharp over at least 70 per cent of the field, with mild field curvature and some barrel distortion creeping in as one approaches the field stops. But make no mistake about it, even at the field stops, the images of stars I assessed(discussed below) were tighter than I remember on the two earlier models I field tested.
Comparing the views through the similarly-priced Hawke Endurance ED, the difference was obvious; the Svbony was noticeably sharper, had better contrast and with better control of both general field glare and veiling glare. Colour correction was maybe a shade better in the Hawke though, but I’ve noted that some of the sharpest binoculars I’ve tested over the last four years have had some secondary spectrum bleed. Having said that, there is only the merest trace of it within the sweet spot but as one moves to the outer field, lateral colour can often be picked up when viewing tree branches against a uniformly lit grey background sky; a harsh test for any binocular, however well made.
I got even more excited when I tested the Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED against the GPO Passion ED 8 x 42. This time, I canvassed the opinions of a few students to compare and contrast the views in both good and poor ambient light conditions, having already made my mind up on the matter. The results were again unanimous: they all agreed with me that the Svbony served up sharper images though they noted that the field of view of the GPO was noticeably wider( 8.1 angular degrees). But they could see, as I did, that the edge of field performance was noticeably better in the Sybony – a consequence of its more conservative sized field of view. These are truly excellent results and fully in keeping with the title of this review: the Extraordinary Svbony!
Notes from the Field
The majority of my most rigorous testing of the Svbony SV 202 ED 8 x 42 took place under a starry sky, where optical issues are easier to assess. Defocusing the bright, first-magnitude star, Capella, by rotating the dioptre ring to the end of its travel, I could see that collimation was fine. The focused star image from the left barrel was well inside the defocused anulus appearing in the right barrel. Stars remained tiny pinpoints of light across about 70-75 per cent of the field, with the last 25 per cent or so revealing some field curvature and a minor amount of astigmatism right at the field stops.
I was easily able to measure the size of the field of view in the Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED. Noting that the stars Betelgeuse and Bellatrix in northern Orion are precisely 7 degrees 33’ apart, I was just unable to fit both into the same field. That’s very much in keeping with the 7 degree 30’ stated in the specifications. Good job Sybony!
Examining a bright waxing gibbous Moon in late October skies threw up a marble-white orb, peppered by grey lava seas and excellent crater detail across the southern highlands. Chromatic aberration was completely absent from the lunar limb within the large sweet spot, but did throw up some as the Moon was moved out towards the field stops. I noted some moderate drop off in illumination of the Moon at the field edges but nothing to take issue with, where only very slight refocusing was needed to bring it sharply into focus.
Back to daylight testing again now. Close focus was measured to be 2.27 metres, a little longer than advertised. I noticed some pincushion(positive) distortion looking at an off axis drain pipe. On the many very dull, overcast days we experienced throughout October, the Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED threw up superlative images. Colours in autumn leaves really popped, with no contrast-robbing glare to reduce the intensity of the views. Greens, browns and red colours seem to be enhanced under these conditions. Near dusk, these colours really become enhanced! Imaging fallen leaves at close quarters(within a few metres) really shows off the exceptional sharpness of this binocular. I attribute this to unusually good correction of spherical aberration. Indeed, to my eye, better spherical aberration correction is more desirable than a slightly softer but better colour corrected image, as was manifested in the Hawke Endurance ED 8 x 42 tested alongside it. I detected no blackouts while panning large swathes of hillside with the Svbony 8 x 42 ED, unlike I encountered with the GPO Passion ED 8 x 42. I attribute this to simpler eyepiece design in the former. I’ve found blackouts to be a significant issue in many wide-angle 8 x 42s, with more aggressive field flattening strongly correlating with the frequency of blackouts encountered.
Under bright sunny conditions, the Svbony does throw up more in the way of glare, especially in the direction of the Sun, but although I’m especially partial to this kind of defect, it was never bothersome. Indeed, comparing my notes of observations conducted using a well-heeled Swarovski EL 8.5 x 42, I observed similar levels of glare under the same conditions. In another low light test, I compared and contrasted the images garnered by the GPO Passion ED and the Svbony. Observing at dusk and far into deep twilight, looking into the deeply shaded undergrowth of shrubs some 20 metres in the distance, I was unable to see any significant brightness differences between the instruments. That’s good news considering the former has a light transmission of the order of 90 per cent. Whatever the precise light transmission of the Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED, it’s likely to be impressively high.
Conclusions & Recommendations
They say good things come in threes. That’s certainly turned out to be a true adage in my experience with these SV 202 compact and mid-sized ED binoculars from Svbony. Furthermore, of the three I’ve tested and reported on, this new SV 202 8 x 42 ED has got to be my favourite. It’s an awesome binocular, especially considering its very modest pricing. It will make an excellent birding binocular, for example, where the finest optics are required to pick off the minutest details in your avian targets. It’s also a fine star gazing binocular with its great near edge-to-edge sharpness. It will do well in any situation; bright sunlight, or at dusk and dawn, so will also be useful as a hunting glass. I’m confident that the performance of this instrument will match or exceed pretty much any instrument currently on the market under £500, and will give £1K instruments a frightening run for their money. Any room for improvement? Yes. A few extra layers of antireflection coatings applied to the elements in the optical train will cut down the already minimal levels of glare to levels seen on binoculars in the £800 price range. Adding a hydrophobic coating on the outer lenses wouldn’t go amiss either, especially if you intend to use it in cold and wet environments. Other than that, I’d say leave well alone!
Very highly favoured!
Dr Neil English will publish a new book dedicated to binoculars: Choosing & Using Binoculars: A Guide for Stargazers, Birders and Outdoor Enthusiasts, due out in late 2023.
Thanks Neil,
Another good review.
I have the other SV202 sizes and was thinking of getting the B&S Series 5 EDs (I have the non ED version), but looks like a slight reduction in FoV from 142m to 131m with the SV202s is an acceptable alternative.
I do notice some field curvature on the other SV202s, although not excessive. I do prefer a flatter view, which is what I perceive the Series 5 gave (except the 8×25 which is very noticeable to me). I’ll try these new SV202s 8x42s to see.
Best regards,
Gary
Hello Gary,
Thanks for the thumbs up.
The new SV 202 8 x 42 ED is a terrific instrument. Best of the series in my opinion.
I’m just amazed Svbony can produce something so good for such a reasonable price.
Best wishes,
Neil
The Svbony SV202 series is indeed good glas, not just for the money. Thank you for these discoveries. I have 8×32 and 10×42 and I’m waiting for the 8×42 delivery.
So just out of curiosity: The Svbony seems to be a step above the GPO Passion ED i know very well, but what about the »Big Easy«, Opticron Aurora BGA VHD, that you ranked ahead of the Zeiss Conquest? Or the GPO HD 8×42?
Is the Svbony up to that level or in in some areas even ahead of these fine binoculars? After all it’s your personal favourite right now. 🙂
Hello Will,
Thanks for your message.
The Nikon E II 8 x 30 is my favourite by a long stretch. I also love its bigger cousin: the Nikon E 10 x 35. Both are Porro prism designs.
Of the roofs I’ve tested, yes the Svbony SV 202 8 x 42 ED would be my favourite. Why? Because it represents brilliant value for money and delivers the readies in spades. In comparison to the Opticron Aurora BGA VHD 8 x 42, I would say that ergonomically the Svbony wins. Optically though, the Opticron is better. It has sensibly perfect optics, showing less glare than the Svbony and its field flattening technology gives it better edge of field correction. It also has a larger field of view. But this comes at a steep price increase. The Opticron retails for £800. That’s pretty much what I tried to relate in my review of the Svbony,
Kind regards,
Neil.
Thanks for the in-depth reviews Neil.
I’m considering buying one of the sv202’s, and noticed that the listed weight of the 8×42 on your review and on Svbony website are different (720g vs 480g?). Is 720g including the case, strap, lens covers etc?
Also noticed that the advertised 8×42 dimensions seem bigger than the 10×42 which I think is odd?… usually 10×42 would be bigger than 8×42 of the same design. Am I wrong?
Morning Bamba,
The link I placed in the review to Svbony’s website states the weight as 720g, which I also measured. It is certainly not 480g.
https://www.svbony.com/sv202-8x-binocular-portable-with-ipx7-waterproof/
The 8x 42 ED I have here measures 15cm long with the cups eye cups fully retracted and about 11.5cm wide.
Best wishes,
Neil.
Thanks for confirming that Neil. The page you linked to does state 480g, on the dimensions photo (11th from top, with the heading “Portable”). The 720g figure is on the Specs tab, which is 1-click deeper…
They also have a table comparing the specs for the 4 models on their aliexpress store, where the 8×32 is listed as 477g and the 8×42 as 480g.
As an ultralight backpacker who weights every piece of gear I’m used to discrepancies between advertised and actual weight; but here clearly someone in the sales department does not know the product well…
Thanks again for your prompt reply 🙂
No worries Bamba.
Best wishes,
Neil.
Thanks for these in depht reviews, Neil. Your page is real treasure. Would you recommend Svbony Ed rather than Vortex Diamondback hd line? Or something else in 8×42 range would you recommend? I had an Diamondback 10×50 earlier, and it was decent perfomer, do you think Svbony ed 10×50 can do it better?
Best wishes, Nemanja
Hello Nemanja,
Thanks for your message.
Personally, having tested several of the Vortex Diamondback HD line, I would say that the Sybony SV 202 8 x 42ED and the 10 x 50 ED are a good step up in optical performance: sharper images, better contrast and less glare. The new 8x 42 ED is really excellent. I can’t recommend it more highly!
Best wishes,
Neil.
Thank you so much! I’ll give them a chance then.
Best wishes, Nemanja
My pleasure Nemanja.
Best wishes,
Neil.
Dear friend, yesterday i received this binocular. At first sight i am IMPRESSED by view and quality of this bino. In next few days I will directly compare it to my Zeiss 7×45 design selection which I consider to be my reference binocular. I can presume right now that it will be neck and neck. Anyway I’ll report you afterwards. Thank you so much again for enlighten me.
Best wishes, Nemanja
Dear Nemanja,
Good of you to write back and I’m very glad to hear of your first impressions. It’s an amazing instrument alright. I’m well pleased with mine!
Look forward to hearing more about yours!
With best wishes,
Neil.
Hello Neil,
Thanks, I bought these binoculars after reading your review. I also have the 8×32 ed but met an issue a few months later with the rubber of the eyecups, not a big deal. That’s why I hesitated to buy the new model. But I was curious because 8 power is my favourite magnification and I saw that you also like some Nikon binoculars. And thanks to your review, I saw that the coating is not exactly the same on all the SV 202 devices (purple on the 8×42 and red on the 8×32 and 10×42) and told myself that maybe they are also different binoculars in terms of build quality. I got them for 135 euros during the Black Friday event, so I think they are really good for the price.
On my Yourtube channel, I’m going to post a short video as I did for the 8×42 SV 47. Maybe I will compare the SV 47 and SV 202 in 8×42 later on.
In the description, I can mention your name and the link of your review to thank you.
Best regards,
Colvert furtif
Vesplume (on birdforum)
Hello Colvert,
Many thanks indeed for your message.
That’s interesting regarding the coating differences. I must say I didn’t really notice any differences but I’ve never had them all side by side.
I absolutely love the ergonomics and optics of the SV 202 8x 42 ED. It’s the one I will keep for my collection( which are mostly Porro prism designs).
I will definitely tune in to your youtube channel. Indeed, I just found it a minute ago!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKW0UBgJqcs
Kind regards,
Neil.
Many thanks for your kindness and interest !
You’re very welcome Colvert!
Hello Neil
You also reviewed ‘SV202 10×42’ before.
(https://neilenglish.net/product-review-svbony-sv202-10-x-42-ed-binocular/)
You have experience using both models.
I want to buy either ‘SV202 8X42’ or ‘SV202 10X42’.
Which of the two models do you think is better?
Thank you.
Kind regards
TJ
Hi TJ,
Thanks for your message.
Unless you absolutely need higher power, I’d definitely go with the 8x 42. It’s an excellent binocular and is probably the least compromised of the SV 202s.
I would advise buying from Amazon or AliExpress as they both offer decent return policies should you hit a snag.
I love my 8x 42 ED!
With best wishes,
Neil.
I was thinking a lot about whether to buy 8×42 or 10×42. I will purchase 8×42 according to your valuable opinion.
I’m very grateful.
Your Welcome TJ
Regards,
Neil.
Hi Neil,
I just wanted to say thanks for your time and work in making these detailed reviews. They’ve been crucial in helping me find a pair of binoculars appropriate for my needs and budget – I appreciate it!
Cheers,
Jack.
Dear Jack,
Thanks for your message; you’re very welcome!
Still enjoying my SV 202 8 x 42 ED.
Best wishes,
Neil.
Hi Neil,
I have the SV202 10X50 and it have very sharp optics. I also bought the Kenko ULTRAVIEW EX OP 10X32 DH II, it is very cheap but give a fantastic view, better sharpness than SV202. Have you tried that one?
Regards,
Karl H
Interesting Karl,
The Kenko looks nice a nice piece of kit.
Just had a quick look at the specs on the 10x 32; nice wide field, low mass, open bridge design.
I didn’t see phase coatings on the prisms though and no mention of the reflective materials like silver or dielectrics etc.
Regards,
Neil.
Hi,
the Kenko is the same model as Sightron blue sky ii 10×32 made in the same factory in the Phillipines. They only say “fully multi coated and phase corrected”.
I have 8 other binoculars but always grab these when going out.
Regards,
Karl H
Hi Karl,
Glad you’re enjoying them and thanks for the clarification on the phase coating.
Best wishes,
Neil.
Hi Neil,
Thanks to your review I bought myself a pair of these SV202’s off Aliexpress and I received them this morning. It’s my first really decent pair of binoculars I’ve ever used or owned. After some initial use all I have to say is that they are amazing, truly amazing. I think I’ll need a second pair now for friends to use! lol.
Cheers Val
Dear Val,
Many thanks for the feedback.
Yes indeed, the SV202s are amazing. I really enjoy using my 8x 42. Indeed, I don’t see any point in upgrading, as the improvements are minimal.
I hope it gives you many years of viewing pleasure.
With very best wishes,
Neil.
Yes, I’m on board with the 202s. My 10×42 is going to be hard to even equal in optical clarity with the kind of poro I can readily afford. Seems to me my only hope in attaining that goal would be the Oberwerk 10×42 SE ED.
Greetings Dr. Neil
Thank you for your thorough and honest reviews! I have followed your recommendation when it comes to the Svbony 202 series and have recently acquired the 8×42 model alongside the trusty 10×42 (which I also bought per your recommendations).
Thanks to your in depth and technical analysis of these binoculars you have shed light on the quality of these units despite not having a fancy brand on them, they are as you describe extraordinary for the price and IMHO blow my 2018-2019 Monarch M5/M7 out of the water for almost one third of the price!
I will continue to follow your work and look forward to hopefully many more reviews/analysis to come.
If I may I would like to ask a question:
Where would you personally rank the Svbony 202 ED 8×42 on a “ranking list” where price/performance is concerned?
Kind regards
Damir
Hello Damir,
Many thanks indeed for your message and very glad to hear you’re positive views of the SV202s.
I wholeheartedly agree with you that these instruments offer extraordinary bang for the buck. I enjoy using the 8 x 42 for many applications. They have really good build quality too.
I would rate these right at the top in terms of price/performance ratio. They would blow the Vortex Diamondbcak HD series, for example, out of the water.
Quite simply, you’ll not get a better bargain in today’s market.
I hope you get many years of pleasure from your SV202s.
With best wishes,
Neil.
By the sounds of it, the SV202 8×42 is comparable to the Midas G2 8×42 but at only half the price. Would this be a fair comparison? I have the G2 8×42 and it absolutely blows away the diamondbacks, that’s why I’m thinking maybe the SV202’s are really that good.
Hello Steve,
Thanks for your message. Funny your mentioning the Athlon Midas G2. I recently had a conversation with a chap from the US, who claimed the Svbony Sv202s were similar to the G2s. I’d be inclined to agree although I’ve not actually test driven the Athlon, but he was kind enough to do a short review of the instrument which will appear in my new book.
I do know however that SV 202 8 x 42 is a good step up in performance from the Vortex Diamondbcack HDs that’s for sure!
With best wishes,
Neil.
Greetings from USA, Dr. Neil
I got these largely due to your excellent review. Svbony doesn’t seem to have any dealers here, but apparently they sell some items through a US warehouse and they had the 8×42 for $119 on eBay. They came in six days from across the continent.
I had a pair of Athlon Midas gen 1 which I lost in a fire. They had excellent optics IMO with a slightly wider field of view than the Svbonys, but with noticable chromatic and pincushion distortion at the edges. These new binos are at least as clear, but with far better build quality and ergonomics, notably the focus wheel, which was surprisingly cheap and plastic. I believe the eyecups were plastic as well, although the chassis was magnesium. The Svbonys were also about half the price.
I’ve also enjoyed reading your other entries and I noticed you expressed a fondness for pocket binoculars. A potential candidate for your appraisal might be the minnie binoculars by Shuntu, which can be found on AliExpress, described as “Shuntu ED 8×20 10×25 Binoculars Waterproof SMC Coating Eyepiece Bak4 Prism”. They come in 8×20 and 10×25 variants, use ED glass and are on at least revision 2.
Regards,
Ken w
Dear Ken,
Many thanks indeed for your message and delighted to hear about the SV 202 acquisition. They are fantastic bang for buck, and as you say have really excellent build quality. I hope they provide you with many years of service!
Thanks for the tip on those Shuntu ED pocket models. I’ve come across them before but haven’t ordered up one for testing. That said, they look very like the Eschenbach Club 8 x 20 I tested some time ago.
Best wishes,
Neil
They do look similar. I thought I’d looked over all the reviews on your site, yet I missed this one!!
One difference, however, is the Shuntus use ED glass, while the Eschenbach doesn’t.
Hi Ken,
Ah yes, indeed they do have ED glass!
I may check one of those Shuntus out in the new year!
Best wishes,
Neil
Hello again Neil!
Upon your recommendation I have bought both the 8×32 and 8×42 versions of these binoculars. I really enjoy the views through the 8x42s and agree that these are the best of the bunch, particularly as an eyeglasses wearer.
I do have a concern about both of these sets though as I finally got to star-test them today. You state: “focused star image from the left barrel was well inside the defocused anulus appearing in the right barrel”. I tried this test out on both sets and the focused image was just outside the anulus on both but exactly parallel vertically. They both work well during the day and I have had no eye strain thus far but as they are both still under warranty I am looking for some reassurance that this is normal.
Should I be concerned?
Best wishes for the new year!
Simon Thorp
Victoria, BC, Canada
Hi Simon,
Many happy returns for 2024.
It sounds like they may be slightly out of collimation. Both the focused star and unfocused anulus must remain together for decent alignment. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Best wishes,
Neil
Neil,
Interestingly I had two friends come over and test both sets of binoculars. They turned out to be in near perfect collimation.
It was me! I have always had difficulty getting images to merge in binoculars and recently discovered that I have significant “prism” aberration between my eyes which explains this difficulty. I can use them with no problems during the day but only for limited time viewing the night sky as merging the images is difficult.
The things we learn!
Clear skies,
Simon
Hello Simon,
That’s good to hear!
Cheers,
Neil
Hi Neil.Yesterday i ordered these binoculars after reading your review.I paid £104 for them(amazon) They are being delivered today(28th January)
Good for you John,
I hope you get a kick out of them!
With best wishes,
Neil
Svbony sv202 8×42 vs Kowa SVII 8×42, which is the better allrounder?
Thank you
Regards
— Nikkor
Hello Nikkor,
I’ve only tested the 8 x 32 Kowa SV II but I was very impressed with it. I’m sure tge 8 x 42 is just as good. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of these to be honest.
Best wishes,
Neil
Thank you so much for your great reviews on the Svbony series! They really help me a lot from looking for my first serious binoculars.
I am now struggling which one to get, the SV202 8×42 ED or the 8×32 ED. I bet the x42 should have better overall image quality? But how much better? Just slightly or noticeably better? For low light, I bet the x42 should be much better? Any other concerns should I be aware of?
To consider the 8×32, mainly because of the size and weight, better portability. Secondly, the price.
Thank you and have a nice day!
Regards,
Kok
Hello Kok,
Thanks for your message.
The SV202 series include fine binoculars for their modest price. Personally I liked the 8 x 42 model best as it has the least compromises and serves as an all- purpose binocular. If low weight is an absolute requirement then I’d opt for the 8 x 32.
Hope that helps!
Regards,
Neil
Good day Neil,
Thank you for the detailed review. How would you compare them to a more recent item, Sky Rover 8×42 APO, which you also found excellent? Apart from evident points, like FOV and hydrophobic coating.
Thanks Neil! How do they stand against SRBC 8×42 APO you recently reviewed?
Dear Alexander,
It’s important that you take my work in context and chronologically. The SRBC binos are a huge advance again over the SV 202s. They have revolutionary status. In a nutshell you’re getting top tier optics easily as good as anything on the market from Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski at an incredible price. They have huge fields of view, excellent field flattening optics and offer stunningly sharp views. I think the big 3 are in trouble. That’s great news for the community.
Regards,
Neil
Thanks Neil, appreciated! I had a chance to quickly review SRBC APO 8×42, and they are outstanding.
Hello Alexander,
Yes indeed. They are exceptional. I have the 10 x 50 model coming very soon. Needless to say I’m very excited about test driving this instrument!
Regards,
Neil
Hey Neil, I’ve been doing quite a bit of reading and appreciate some of its subjective to the user and budget. However, would you say these are still quite at the top of the game for entry level binoculars at 8×42.
I was also looking at Opticron Oasis or Adventure as another brand.
Dear Holly,
I’m well thanks. The market has changed quite a bit over the last few years. The SV 202s are a great entry level binocular that I woukd still recommend, but their new SA205 8 x 42 are a good step up again and for not a lot of extra money. I’m currently testing it out and I’m very impressed with it. It has built in field flattening optics and a slightly wider field of view compared with the SV 202 8 x 42. I would definitely recommend the SA 205 over the SV 202 if you can stretch your budget a little.
See my full review coming soon!
Regards,
Neil
Hi Neil As a complete novice, I have just been reading your very thorough testing of the SV 202. I wonder if you consider that it is good for a safari – open savannah and whether the 8 x42 or 10 x 50 would be better.
The 205 sounds interesting but is almost double the price
Why do you think that the Svbony seems to get few recommendations? Just interested as your site is the only one I can find so far.
Thanks in advance Sue
Hi Sue,
Thanks for your message.
If you’re on a tight budget I’d recommend the 8 x 42 SV 202. There are many threads online about it. Try Cloudy Nights and Birdforum.
Other reviewers are too busy promoting much more expensive models. I try to look after ordinary folks with ordinary budgets.
Regards,
Neil