Telescope Basics 2

With magnification, it is all to do with what size the scope is. Simply, larger scopes (meaning those with bigger mirrors or lenses) can handle larger magnifications. Here is a basic guide to the size of a telescope together with its highest usable magnification (or power):

Of course some rules are there to be broken, and I have happily used 300 times magnification on an 80mm telescope. However, what you get with over-magnification is a loss of brightness, contrast and detail. So, you can break these rules, but not with the cheapest of scopes.

There are some Minimum Requirements for a telescope: the 60mm example from the table above is really the smallest refractor you should buy. Anything smaller won't give you the astronomical brightness and quality you want. My first telescope was this size, and it really brought the night sky alive, and I used it for a good many years. On the reflecting telescope front, try to go for at least 100mm. However, I would seriously consider spending an extra amount to have a larger telescope which will last you much longer.

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