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rootofallworlds t1_jee9vmm wrote

Almost always yes, but there can be exceptions.

For a bright source the level of detail you can see using an optical instrument is limited by whichever is "worse" of two factors. Firstly, the inherent resolution of the instrument because light is a wave and it diffracts around edges. A perfect point light source produces a blurred image at the focal plane, known as the Airy disc. For a telescope the resolution depends on the diameter of the main mirror/lens (the aperture) and the wavelength. (I don't know for microscopes).

Secondly, the visual acuity of the eye multiplied by the magnification in use.

In general when using "low" magnification for a given instrument the second factor is the limit, while with "high" or "too much" magnification the first factor becomes the limit.

2x is low magnification for almost anything, but if you had a telescope with an exceptionally small objective lens it could be limited by diffraction.

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