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Your current position >> Learn >> What is Aperture size?

The aperture is directly linked to the depth of field (the amount of distance that is in focus). The aperture is actually the thing that controls the amount of light that enters the lens. The wider the lens is open (higher aperture/lower the f-number) the faster the film exposes and in turn the lower the depth. Generally the lower priced lenses have a maximum aperture (small f number) of about f/4.5 (with exception to the 50mm fixed lens). Basically the lower you set the f-number the less depth you will get.
 

Small f-numbers (higher apertures)
A small f-number is used when you want to take pictures with a small amount of depth or photographs with professional looking background blur. Usually when you use high apertures the use of a tripod is not needed.

Large f-numbers (lower apertures)
A large f-number is used to add depth to a picture. Especially with things like landscape photography the use of a high aperture can be used to add detail. One thing to watch out for when using large f numbers is that the shutter speed will be large and you will more than likely need to use a tripod or support of some kind like a post or solid surface.

Next article >> What are shutter speeds?


 

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