Hi James,
The atmosphere will limit magnification more than the optics themselves. On any given night the disturbance caused by the air will limit the effective maximum or usable magnification.
Whether a scope is cooled to equilibrium will also have an effect on this.
Collimation and optical alignment also contribute to this as does the quality of the eyepieces and the optics themselves.
There is certainly a limit to any optic as far as usable magnification though. This is sometimes called the 50x per inch rule. This does not imply that more than 50x per inch is unusable, but that it is empty magnification on the whole. But under extraordinary conditions it is possible to use much higher power. These nights are rare in most places and are quite a treat if present.
The atmosphere will limit magnification more than the optics themselves. On any given night the disturbance caused by the air will limit the effective maximum or usable magnification.
Whether a scope is cooled to equilibrium will also have an effect on this.
Collimation and optical alignment also contribute to this as does the quality of the eyepieces and the optics themselves.
There is certainly a limit to any optic as far as usable magnification though. This is sometimes called the 50x per inch rule. This does not imply that more than 50x per inch is unusable, but that it is empty magnification on the whole. But under extraordinary conditions it is possible to use much higher power. These nights are rare in most places and are quite a treat if present.
[SIZE="Large"][/SIZE][COLOR="Blue"][/COLOR] Floyd Blue
Amateur Imager
