Andromeda Galaxy

The bigger the scope for a given F ratio the smaller the field of view.
Jed.

Agreed.

Sorry for the confusion Eirik but there have been great images from 80mm scopes, aka Pete Lawrance.

I have seen m51 and it's satellite in 10x50 binoculars so anything is possible. Of course I did not see any detail, just a couple of smudges. As has been already said, a big aperture scope with a fast f/ratio of f/4 will allow you to see the spiral arms of m51. For galaxies, you need absolutely perfect conditions to see anything jaw dropping, star clusters on the other hand are more within your grasp.

Sorry to keep the FOV story going.

Maximum FOV of a scope formula is:

(Field stop(mm) x 180/pi) / Focal length

The two variables here are field stop (either 1.25" or 2" usually) and the length.
This however is the maximum FOV possible. You really need to bring the eyepiece to bear.
True FOV at an eyepiece is:
apparent FOV of the eyepiece / magnification

magnification is calculated by:
Focal length of scope / focal length of eyepiece.

Therefore it should be apparent that the eyepiece is a tad more important here. The shorter the focal length of the eyepiece, the smaller the true FOV.