Effective Aperture Calculator: Determine Optical Resolution

Calculate Your Effective Aperture

Diameter of the main mirror or lens.
mm
Diameter of the secondary mirror or central obstruction.

Quickly determine the effective aperture of your telescope or camera lens with our free calculator. Ideal for photographers and astronomers, it helps assess the true resolving power by accounting for central obstructions. Enhance your astrophotography setup and achieve optimal image clarity.

Formula:

Formula:

Effective Aperture (E) = Primary Aperture (D) - Central Obstruction (d)

Where:

  • E = Effective Aperture (in mm or inches)
  • D = Primary Aperture Diameter (e.g., of a telescope mirror or lens, in mm or inches)
  • d = Central Obstruction Diameter (e.g., secondary mirror or sensor housing, in mm or inches)

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