A Work Commenced June 13 2024
Product: Svbony Svbony SA 205 8 x 42
Country of Manufacture: China
Chassis: Textured rubber armoured Magnesium alloy
Exit Pupil: 5.25mm
Field of View: 134.6m@1000m(7.7angular degrees)
Eye Relief: 20mm
Dioptre Compensation: +/- 5
Close Focus: 2m advertised, 1.34m measured
Coatings: Fully broadband multicoated, dielectric and phase coatings on BAK4 roof prisms
ED Glass: Yes
Field Flattening Optics: Yes
Tripod Mountable: Yes
Waterproof: Yes IP67 rating (1m for 3 min)
Nitrogen Purged: Yes
Weight: 690g advertised, 704g measured
Dimensions: 13.5 x 12.5 cm
Accessories: Padded soft case, logoed neoprene neck strap, ocular and objective covers, microfibre lens cleaning cloth, instruction manual
Warranty: 1 year
Price((UK): £199.00
If you’ve been following my work over the years you’ll no doubt have observed my enthusiasm for Svbony sports optics. Their SV 202 series of binoculars have made a loud splash among consumers looking for a great introduction to the world of modern binoculars at very modest retail prices. Their spotting scopes have also garnered a solid reputation among birders and other naturalists. My recent review of the 20x-60x 85 SA405 ED was a thoroughly delightful experience. But Svbony have not rested on their laurels. They continue to innovate and have now launched their new flagship binoculars in 8 x and 10 x 42: enter the SA 205, which offers an increased level of performance thanks to their advanced optical design. Just like the popular SV 202 series with their magnesium alloy chassis, high-reflectivity dielectric coatings, phase correction coatings and ED glass, the SA 205 features field flattening optics in a completely redesigned platform, with some new ergonomic features that will appeal to a broad church of outdoor enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at the 8 x 42 model, which I’ve been field testing over the last few weeks.
Ergonomics
The instrument arrived very well packed in a very small and tidy box. My first thought when I held the binocular in my hands was : “wow this is a very small binocular,” at least an inch shorter than the SV 202 8 x 42( see below):
Remarkably, the SA 205 8 x 42 tips the scales at just 704g, less than the SV 202. This has got to be the lightest flat field binocular with these specifications on the market.
The matt black rubber armouring is tough and tactile. The sides are ribbed for extra grip.
The antireflection coatings applied to the lenses in the SA 205 are completely different to the SV 202. Gone are those deep purple blooms seen on the SV 202s which are now replaced by more subdued greenish coatings as seen in broad daylight.
The twist-up eyecups are decent, having a few intermediate positions. I actually preferred those found on the SV 202 series though, as they seem to be a bit firmer and click into place more resolutely. Eye relief is excellent however. I was able to easily see the entire field wearing eyeglasses.
The ocular lenses are large and easy to centre one’s eyes in.
The right eye dioptre on the SA 205 8 x 42 is a real treat. Instead of just rotating smoothly, it has click stops that are very easy to adjust and keep the user’s preferred position firmly. I consider this nothing short of a brilliant piece of mechanical engineering. Kudos Svbony!
The metal focus wheel is deeply knurled and is easy to engage with. It rotates very smoothly with no free play in either direction. 1.5 revolutions anticlockwise brings you from one end of its focus travel to the other. It’s highly responsive, requiring only a light touch to dial up the best views.
Overall, I’m delighted with the ergonomics of the SA 205 8 x 42. Simple and understated, it’s wonderfully compact and easy to handle, especially when you consider all of the optical goodies packed inside it.
Optics
As I began my investigation into the SV 202 series, I was struck by how clean the images were when pointed at an intensely bright white light source. In particular, they showed very little internal reflections and no annoying diffraction spikes. I’m pleased to report that the same tests carried out on this SA 205 unit were, if anything, even better. There was no internal reflections – even very slight ones – of any description – and no diffraction spikes.
Examining the exit pupils while looking at a bright daylight sky also showed excellent dark hinterlands around them as the photo below shows. These are great results for any binocular. And the good results kept on coming.
The view through the SA 205 8 x 42 is excellent: it’s razor sharp across the entire field. Off-axis aberrations such as pincushion distortion are very mild. Field curvature is essentially absent. Contrast is excellent, with a very neutral colour tone. Colour correction is also markedly improved over the SV 202 series. The centre of the field is essentially devoid of secondary spectrum. Only when high-contrast targets are moved significantly off axis could I see some slight lateral colour fringing creeping in. Glare suppression is exemplary: right up there, in fact, with the very best binoculars I’ve tested. Glassing strongly backlit scenes with the SA 205 stubbornly refuses to throw up glare. In addition, I could detect no glare when aiming the instrument at a bright sky after sunset.
Notes from the Field
The SA 205 presents one of the most relaxed views I’ve witnessed in a flat field binocular. I encountered no blackouts or rolling ball effect while panning. Close focus was yet another surprise: I measured it at just 1.34m or 4.75 feet! This is another exceptional result: great news for those who like studying insects, flowers and other targets close at hand.
I checked the flatness of the field by monitoring the profile of the bright star Vega high up in twilit Summer skies. It remained very tightly focused all the way to the field stops.
I got the distinct impression the SA 205 8 x 42 was delivering a slightly lower magnification than advertised. I made a rough measurement of the size of the exit pupil; about 5.8mm which would yield a working power of 7.2x rather than 8x, and explaining, to some degree, why the view feels so relaxed.
The focus wheel is much more sensitive than that found on the SV 202 series. Slow and careful micro-focusing will reward the viewer with the very best images. This may not be to everyone’s liking though. Personally I would have preferred it to be a bit slower, but like everything else in life, practice makes perfect.
Conclusions & Recommendations
Test driving the SA 205 8 x 42 was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It is small and lightweight, yet is tough and durable. It has many endearing characteristics, such as excellent edge-to-edge sharpness thanks to the addition of field flattening optics, exceptional close focus, a brilliant click-stop dioptre system and wonderful glare suppression.
Smaller 8 x or 10 x 32mm SA 205 models would be a great addition to this exciting new series from Svbony. They would undoubtedly prove very popular among birders in particular.
The arrival of this new high-performance binocular represents still more compelling evidence that Chinese-manufactured optics are now rapidly approaching those produced by European manufacturers. Even seasoned binocular users will be hard pressed to see any shortcomings in the images delivered by this high-tech instrument. That these are being offered at such modest retail prices is very good news for the outdoor enthusiast. The days of splashing out large sums of money for excellent optical performance are now well and truly behind us. And that’s a good thing!
Viva La Revolution!
Dr Neil English delights in presenting exceptional binocular bargains to his readers. Read about many more binocular reviews in his new book, Choosing & Using Binoculars: A Guide for Stargazers, Birders and Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Hi Neil!
Very interested to hear your take on the SA205. I’ve been using the SA205 10×42 for the last couple of weeks. Temptation got the better of ma at USD 175 shipped to my door.
I’ve been doing a lot of switching between Nikon Monarch HG 10×30 and these, back and forth.
Hello Kevin,
Thanks for your intriguing message. I’m happy to provide a sneak peek on the SA205 8 x 42. I really like it! Pin sharp optics right across the field of view. Great flat field, close focusing and excellent glare suppression. Lovely, easy view and it has a number of very endearing ergonomic features.
I wonder how your 10 x 42 is faring?
Regards,
Neil
I’m no expert, just a ‘heavy user’ 🙂 so grab that big pinch of salt…
I find it optically engaging and the actual image quality beyond reproach (especially remembering what I’m comparing it to), unfussy eye placement, solid build quality (striking body similarities with Oberwerk ‘Sport ED’ models), eyecup action a little ‘quirky’, accessories (strap, bag, covers) cheap and cheerful. Would prefer hinge and focus a tad stiffer, but that’s just a matter of taste.
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the feedback. I’m inclined to agree.
More anon……
Neil
Dear Neil,
How would you rate this new Svbony in terms of optics compared to other binoculars you have tested? In particular …
a) Oberwerk Sport ED
b) Zeiss Terra ED
c) GPO Passion ED
d) Opticron Aurora
Could you make a simple ranking? And where would the Svbony SV202 fit in?
I’m just asking as all of them are considerably lighter than the the great Sky Rover Banner Cloud APO 8×42 (which is the best I guess).
Thanks for your efforts!
Markus
Hello Markus,
Thanks for your message. We live in exciting times for binocular enthusiasts.
The SRBC 8 x 42 is head and shoulders the best I’ve tested. Optically the equivalent of the NL Pure but without the glare.
I would rank them as follows:
1. Opticron Aurora
2. Svbony SA 205
3. Oberwerk Sport ED
4. Zeiss Terra ED
5. GPO Passion ED
I woukd rate the SV 202 between 4 and 5 from that list.
Bear in mind that this is a rapidly changing market and that my opinions are subject to change accordingly.
Hope that helps!
Neil
Thank you Neil, that’s very helpful!
Markus
You’re welcome, Markus.
Cheers,
Neil
Hello Neil
How much better are the opticron Aurora VHD 8×42 ( current model ) to these svbony SA 205 8×42’s ??
Is it worth spending the extra ££££?
Thank you
Paul
Hi Paul,
Thanks for your message.
That’s a tough one as I have neither here with me to answer your question. They are both very nice instruments. I would try the SA 205 first and if you like it then you will save lots of money .
Good luck with your researches.
Regards,
Neil
Hi Neil,
I have bought the 10x version of the SA205 and found it quite performing, the most challenging issue being finding the right distance between eyes and eyepiece’s eye lens to get the full flat field and without blackenings.
In the end, after multiple trials, settled on the click before the last.
I also have the 8×42 SV202, which I also consider very good, and indeed with firmer eyecups than the SA205.
I must thank you for having introduced me to the quality of Svbony products and more in general for your “unconventional” approach to binoculars, without the IMO excessive deference/reverence towards what are generally called “alpha” binoculars.
Thank you
Luca Cheli
Thank you Luca!
You’re most welcome!
Best wishes,
Neil
Hello Neil,
I need your guidence
I am looking for new binocular,not as an upgrade but as a replacement for 10X50 ACULON A211, Only purpose to buy them is use them for night sky views & astronomy, I wear eye glasses, I am hand holding the binoculars,
I read your excellent & detailed reviews about svbony SA204 10×50 (porro), Svbony SV202 10 x 50 ED (roof), I am inclined towards porro prism as I already used one & i heard the views come from porro are actually more immersive or 3d than roof prism ( I do not have any experience with roof prism), Previously i was skeptical about chinese manufactured binoculars but your reviews made the good case.
1)So how these two binoculars stack against each other in regards with Image quality, optical sharpness, contrast & overall experience ? ( as you already mentioned in review of SA204 that internal blackening has issue & single layer of coat on glass – 2) how much all this affects the overall image quality of SA204?)
3)(do SV202 being roof prism surpasses the porro SA204 optical image quality ?)
4)do their ( svbony SA204 10×50 , Svbony SV202 10 x 50 ED ) eye cups (when extended) get pushed down with force?
5)have you tried BRESSER 10×50 Wave binoculars (roof prism – without phase coating & no ED glass), if yes then how are they stacking against the svbony binoculars? 6)(do you think German make surpasses the svbody SV202 10X50 ED ? )
7)( whats your thoughts on CELESTRON G2 UpClose 10×50 Porro Prism Binocular with BK-7 prism & Pentax Jupiter 10 X 50?)
Thank you for providing so much detailed reviews. keep up the good work.
Thank you,
Alex.
Hello Alex,
Thanks for your message. Having considered your questions and listed options, I have a different recommendation for you. Have you considered the Opticron Adventurer T WP 10 x 50? Very nice Porro optics and great ergonomics, light weight, sturdy and water resistant. I think it would be an excellent astronomy binocular and is very affordable. I rate it ahead of both the Svbony SA 204 and the SV 202 10 x 50s. I have reviewed a few models from this series and can heartily recommend them.
https://amzn.eu/d/3U7kq7G
Available now on Amazon UK for £88. If you don’t like it you can send it back and receive a full refund.
Hope that helps.
Neil
Hello Neil,
Thank you for your advice, but unfortunately for me, I am not from Europe region, So I do not have that option open for me.
But I am taking in all that you offered today & over the years while reviewing binoculars & came to conclusion that I am only going for porro design (just finished reading your review about Ricoh-Pentax SP 10 x 50 WP) thank you for that.
one question,
do the eye cups (when extended) get pushed down with little force in case of SA204? are they firm when clicked in extended position ?
Thank you once again & keep up the good work, I am kind of becoming your fan now, You have very detailed & to the point writing style. Thank you.
Alex.
Hello Alex,
I see. In that case I’d go with the SV 202 10 x 50. The eye cups are very firm and lock into place securely on all the SV 202s.
If you can save some more funds, I would go for the Sky Rover Banner Cloud 10 x 50 APO. Absolutely world class optics and way less expensive than the offerings from Swarovski, Zeiss etc.
Hope that helps.
Hello Neil,
Thank you so much for the genuine advice, I will definitely follow your advice.
Thank you once again,
Best wishes,
Alex.
Dear sir,
My name is Peter from Thailand.
I’m a newbie yet started to learn a lot from youtubers and you into the world of birding. (Thank you so much!) and me too, I’m considering the SA205 now. However, kinda same question as above.
But I would love to to know SV202 vs SA205
do the eye cups (when extended) get pushed down with little force in case of SA205? are they firm when clicked in extended position ?
I have read all your writing, yet english was not my mother language so I’m not fully clear on the point “The twist-up eyecups are decent, having a few intermediate positions. I actually preferred those found on the SV 202 series though, as they seem to be a bit firmer and click into place more resolutely. ”
Could you help explain if it gets push down easily or it will lock place? As I like to press the bino hard on my eyes to stablize the image and fully dark. If it didnt lock, then I may have to go back to SV202 ED instead. 🙁
Thank you so much sir.
Dear Alex,
You’re very welcome!
With best wishes,
Neil
Hi Neil
Just a quick heads up, AliExpress has a back to school sale on, just received (today) a pair of SA 205 8×42 today £115 including delivery
Initial impression!! Outstanding!!
Nice one! Thanks for the heads up!
Neil
Hi Neil, I have Opticron Explorer ED (not the new ED-R). Would the SA205 be an upgrade? How do they compare in sharpness and resolution, contrast, CA, glare suppression? Thank you! Richard
Hello Richard,
I don’t have both of these instruments at hand to compare. But I would say the SA 205 is the better instrument: much better glare control, dioptre system and flat field.
Regards,
Neil
Hi Richard,
The Habicht doesn’t have much focus beyond infinity. In addition eye relief is quite tight for eyeglass wearers. Your Sport ED will be far better under the stars than any 8 x 30.
Hope that helps,
Neil.
Just a quick thanks for all the reviews over the years. The review of the SA205 encouraged me to buy one and I consider it the best value binocular of the year at $132. Thanks much. I use it a lot.
(I will also say the SRBC 8×42 is superb at $499. (I use it more 🙂
Thanks Mark: happy I could help!
Regards,
Neil