MyFunCamera

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Back to basics: f-stop/aperture

Here’s a little demo on what the f-stop number does on your camera.

You can use the “Av” mode (A on Nikon) or the “M” (manual) to change the f-stop (aperture):
(click the image for a bigger view, then use your browser’s back button to come back here)

In general, the nicer lens you have, the lower that number can go.

Look on your lens for something that says: “f:2.8″ or “f:3.5-5.6″

“f:2.8″ means you can dial in an aperture as low as 2.8 (nice!)

“f:3.5-5.6″ means you can dial in an aperture as low as 3.5 if your lens isn’t zooming.
If you zoom your lens, you’ll only be able to go as low as 5.6. (that’s a sign of lower-quality lens construction, but it doesn’t mean the lens totally sucks, it only sucks a little)

When you dial in an f-stop number, it will show up on your camera’s LCD screen.
Here’s what that looks like on Canon:

Here’s a look at what the f# does to your images.

I took a bunch of pictures of cards lined up on my kitchen counter.

I used “M” mode so I could keep the shutter speed the same and just change that f/#.

The lower the f/#, the LESS you’ll have in focus, and the MORE light you’ll let in.

If you use a higher number, you’ll get more in focus, but the sensor won’t get as much light.

Check out these images where I changed the f/# on the camera:

You can see how the pictures get darker as that f/# gets higher, but you also get more into focus.

If you wanted the picture brighter with more in focus, you could raise the ISO or lower your shutter speed.

Wanna see a really cool trick!? If you have a Canon camera, there’s a strange little button by your lens that looks like this:

That’s the “depth of field preview” button! If you look through the camera, and you’re wondering just how much is going to be in focus, you can press that button, and the lens will show you how much light the camera will see, and how much will be in focus! It’s darn cool! Especially if you’re doing a group shot and you want to make sure everyone’s in focus!

Enjoy this little “back to basics” lesson, and have fun experimenting with your own camera and lenses!

If this is interesting to you and you want to learn more, you can sign up for a myFUNcamera workshop or private mentoring HERE.

If all of these setting end up swimming around in your head when you’re out there shooting, pick up some of the myFUNcamera pocket guides. It’s a handy reminder for which settings are best to use it different situations.

Next up: ISO! Stay tuned!

~Carey