Camera Basics #02 - What is the aperture?
back to Shutter Speed Basics #01 -forward to ISO Basics #03Have you just bought a camera and are taking your first steps in photography? In this article, we explain the aperture and show you how this setting affects your photo. Strictly speaking, the aperture has nothing to do with your camera and much more to do with the lens. The aperture controls how wide open the lens is. The wider the aperture is open, the more light falls on the camera's sensor. More light on the sensor in turn means that your photo will be brighter.
The f-number
The aperture or just F is specified in numbers. Common aperture values are 2.8, 4 or 11. A small f-number indicates that the aperture is wide open. A large f-number, on the other hand, indicates that the aperture is closed and only a small amount of light can pass through.
A small aperture value means
- large lens aperture
- shallower depth of field
- blurred background
A large aperture value means
- small lens aperture
- high depth of field
- sharp background
The depth of field
However, the aperture of a lens has another important function. The depth of field!
Open aperture
Closed aperture
Aperture opening and focus
Shooting with an open aperture is more demanding for your camera's autofocus and it can quickly happen that the image is not 100% sharp. The optimum sharpness is different for every lens, but often around the aperture value f8. The aperture is an important component of a lens. A good Lens is characterized, among other things, by a large aperture. Are you currently shooting with the KIT Lens and want to get more light onto your sensor or take portraits with a blurred background? Then take a look at the fixed focal lengths in our online store. From 100% you are there with a simple 50mm focal length.
Two small tasks for you:
- Shoot in Av/A mode and change the F value, the aperture. Observe the exposure when you shoot with a very open and a closed aperture
- Test the depth of field by focusing on an object in the foreground with an open aperture.
Thank you for reading this article. If you're interested in other photography basics, take a look at the other camera basics.
Camera Basics #03 - What is the ISO?
If you've ever clicked through the settings on your camera, then you've probably come across the term ISO. If you're wondering what this number means, then this article is for you.
The ISO
