

These samples give the visual understanding of the shallow depth of field and deep depth of field. Larger f-stop value means a smaller aperture opening and larger depth of field Smaller f-stop value means larger aperture opening and, consequently, smaller depth of field To control DOF, it is necessary to set the f-stop value. All elements between the nearest and the furthest objects are in focus as well.


So, the depth of field is determined as a particular distance between the nearest and the furthest objects in a frame that are both sharp. By the way, the focus range and DOF are interchangeable terms. This parameter has abbreviation DOF and photographers also call it a depth of focus. Learn more about recommended camera settings for portraits.Respectively, a small f-stop number means you let more light in. A large f-stop number means less light entering the camera lens. They control the appropriate aperture diameter at the point where the light reaches the camera lens. Usually, shooters define the f-stop value and focal length using the camera adjustments. If the focal length is 400mm and the aperture opening is 50 mm, then we can easily count the f-stop number. You will see that as the f-stop value increases, the aperture opening reduces.įor instance, the focal length is 50mm and the diameter of the aperture is 25mm. Look at the section below to examine the graphic. The focal length of the lens affects the composition as well as magnification and FOV (field of view). The diameter of the aperture is a straight line distance from one side of the aperture to the other side, going through the center of the aperture. For example, f/2 and f/8 are common f-stop settings, where 2 and 8 are determined as the f-stop values, correspondingly. The shorthand “f” means f-stop like the “s” often stands after a shutter speed because it is measured in seconds. The number which underlies “f” indicates the f-stop value. F-stop is a dimensionless value, which is usually indicated by “f”. Many beginning photographers mistakenly think that aperture and f-stop are identical, which is wrong.Īperture means the diameter of the aperture through which the light hits the camera lens.į-stop (f-number or f-stop value) is focal length divided by the diameter of the aperture. Apart from basics, you will learn technical details which will give your shooting more confidence. I’ll try to explain everything you need to know about f-stop, focal length, focus range, and field of view in detail. Take a deep dive into the camera lens characteristics.
