So what are f stops? the promised post.
August 11th 2008 09:45
Well, so what are they?
f stops refer to the size of the opening through which light passes to create a photograph.
Now, remember what apertures are? I kept on reminding you to refresh what they were from my previous posts and even gave you some links in preparation for this post.
Larger aperture (shutter opening) allows more light in than smaller aperture ( shutter opening).
So, OK. but what has that to do with f stops.
The amount of light coming through the lens to the sensor is determined by two factors. The size of the lens opening (also referred to as f-stop or lens aperture) and the shutter speed (the speed the shutter opens and closes).
So now we know that the f stop is the same as the lens aperture ( opening)
The larger the f stop the smaller the aperture.
Ranging from f-1.4 to f-44.
F-1.4, being the smallest number, is the largest aperture setting, therefore lets in the most light. F-44 would be the smallest opening letting in the least light.
Shutter speeds range from very slow to very fast.
But this post is about f numbers, so let's stick to that shall we.
Now for a little repetition,
The higher the f-stop number, the narrower the aperture. The lower the f-stop number, the wider the aperture gets. Narrow aperture means small, wider aperture means large.
The only time you need to worry about f stops is if you are using a camera which allows M i.e. manual as well as A i.e. automatic, so if you are simply a point and shoot person you really need not worry about f numbers at all, the camera will work it all out for you, but then you are restricted to what the camera thinks you want instead of what you think you'd like.
And we all know how computers think from time to time, and that's what gives you your automatic setting. Computers think a tap is a faucet, not realizing that a tap can also be a form of dance or something you put on tap shoes.
But most of the time your automatic will do quite a good job for you and many may be happy with that, and if you're one of those, just keep looking at the wonderful photos here and do what you can to improve your composition.
Now here is a small picture of the differences in apertures created by using different f numbers.
So, if your photographing in bright sunlight you will need a small aperture (f8 or more) and in the dimly lit inside your aperture will need to be wide (f5.6 or less )
What you need is practice to get used to the idea.
And just in case you are confused f stop is the same as f number. It can also be referred to as the iris of the camera ( just like in your eye)
The f number controls how much light is let into the camera body to reach the film.
And there are the f numbers, right in front of you, on your camera lens.
So by now I hope you understand what f numbers are and that they are used for manual settings.
There'll be more on other posts but for now, just make sure you know what they are, and if you're really interested in photography go over these things several times and have a play with your camera using different settings to see which produces the best image, but to do this you really need to take the same photo with each of the different settings.
Not necessarily photos to show your friends but photos to help you learn.
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