Telescope magnification calculator

Magnification = telescope focal length ÷ eyepiece focal length. Aperture limits how high you can usefully go.

Your answer

Magnification48 ×
True field of view1.08 °
Exit pupil4.17 mm
Highest useful magnification400 ×
Focal ratio6 f/

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How we worked it out

Updated as you change the numbers.

  1. Magnification = scope focal length × Barlow ÷ eyepiece. True field = apparent field ÷ magnification. Exit pupil = aperture ÷ magnification.

Method and assumptions

About 2× per millimeter of aperture (50× per inch) is a common practical limit set by the telescope’s resolving power and the atmosphere. Exit pupils larger than about 7 mm waste light for most eyes.

Questions

What magnification does a 25 mm eyepiece give on a 1,200 mm telescope?

48×, with a true field of about 1.08°.

Sources

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