MagnificationGalaxy's visible through a telescope The diameter of the telescope is the most important aspect for a decent Telescope.(not the Magnification) Just to give an idea,(using the NGC 2000 star Catalog) what is visible through the following size telescopes on a dark clear unpolluted night,(Northern and Southern Hemisphere's)with good eyesight.
This means that you should look for the biggest diameter telescope you can afford with your budget. (not magnification) Magnification Reflecting Telescope The maximum usable magnification
on any reflecting telescope should be 35x every 25mm Diameter
of a telescope. A lot of telescopes are sold nowdays to customers with
a maximum magnification way out of range. I have seen 50mm refractors
been sold, displaying on the box 625x magnification. Yes that telescope
might be able to do that magnification, but you would not be able to
see any objects with such a magnification through a 50mm telescope. Reflecting telescopes is normaly better value for money and can get any size diameter without glass sging problems..
Refracting Telescope The maximum usable magnification
on any refracting telescope should be 50x every 25mm Diameter
of a telescope. The refracting telescope does not have anycentral obstruction like the Reflecting telescopes. ED Aprocromatic refracting telescopes is also about 3x the price of a reflecting telescope but the quality is unmatched and stars is pinpoint. Refracting telescopes won't be bigger than 6" as you will start having problems with saging glass.
Do you know how to make your decision on what Telescope to buy. Base your decision on the following factors: 1. What you want to do with the telescope. a. Visual viewing and to learn the sky. b. Astro photography. c. Need scope for home or/and traveling.(size of scope) 2. Budget. This Calculator can be used to help you decide on what eyepiece to use for your specific telescope and/or object. Telescope and diagonal Calculator Tlar2 Telescope calculator. Oldham Optical Very nice and easy designing Exel Spreadsheet.
|