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Message: <blockquote data-quote="edz" data-source="post: 1263031" data-attributes="member: 44073">The resolution we see thru any optic is always apparent.  You may see 3" of resolution magnified 40x, or 50x or 60x.  The object seen in the view is seen at a size of 120 arccseconds apparent, 150 arcseconds apparent or 180 arcseconds apparent.  It has always been that.  You've just may not have ever heard anyone refer to it that way.  In telescope optics it is a common reference.  There are few people dealing in binocular optics, perhaps 5% or less, that are performing and providing test results for resolution.  That would mean at least 95% of the people are not using the term unless one of those 5% uses it first.The concept of raising an object to an apparent size large enough to see is the basis of what it takes to see an object at low contrast resolution.  A 3 arcsecond sized object never changes size from 3 arcsec.  Depending on the condition, it must be raised to some apparent size to see it.  When that object happens to be a double star with 1 arcsec separation you may need to raise it by 200x, (or in this case a 3" set of line pars by 60x), in both cases to an apparrent resolution of ~200 arcseconds before you can see it.   It is no different here.  There are not two different sets of rules for different uses of optics.  The rules and terms are the same.  Employing a fine apochromatic triplet to observe that same target may allow you to see it at an apparent resolution of 160-180 arcseconds.  Finer optics, better results.  Yes, the lowest reading that gives the maximum result shows the best apparent resolution and is indicative of the better optic.  Simple maximum raw resolution does not tell the whole story, as I hope is well explained in all my posts above.edz</blockquote>

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