How to Increase Magnification on a Telescope

Eyepiece

• 1

  Choose a new eyepiece that will make the focal length of your telescope lower than it is with your current eyepiece. To determine magnification, divide the focal length of the telescope by the focal length of the eyepiece. A 1,000 mm telescope used with a 25 mm eyepiece will give you 40x magnification; a 2,000 mm telescope used with a 5 mm eyepiece will give you 400x magnification.

• 2

  Remove your telescope's eyepiece by removing the eyepiece screw or lock that holds it securely in place. Handle the eyepiece carefully and store it in a place where it will be safe from damage.

• 3

  Attach the new eyepiece to the telescope by carefully putting it in place and securing it with the screw or lock.

• 4

  Refocus the new eyepiece.

Barlow Lens

• 5

  Remove the eyepiece from your telescope by unlocking or unscrewing it.

• 6

  Attach the Barlow lens to the eyepiece by inserting the eyepiece into it.

• 7

  Attach the Barlow lens and eyepiece to the telescope and lock or screw it into place.