 Pat Wimpee |
Dumbed down english about lens Could some one please explain to me in plain terms exactly what the numbers on the lens signify. Everytime I read about it, my mind just shuts down. If my lens is a wide angle 11-24 mm and f4, does my manuel setting need to be on aperture f4 also to get the clearest picture? I just bought this lens for group pictures and I can't get a crisp shot! Please help!!!
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Stan Lubach |
The 11-24mm numbers are the focal length of the lens. This probably explains it better than I can: http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Optical/Focal_Length_01.htm In general the focal length is an idication of how much of a scene will fit in your view. The smaller the number, the wider the view. The f number is th aperature. It's the size of the opening in the lens which is controlled by a series of meta leaves inside the lens. It determines how much light gets to the film/sensor. Mathematically, it is the focal length divided by the diameter ( or width ) of the opening in the lens. The smaller the number, the bigger the hole, the more light that gets in. When a lens is specified as 11-24mm, f/4, it just means the focal length has the range of 11mm to 24mm and the widest aperature that is possible on that lens is f/4. Typically, what you find is that at the widest aperature, the picture may look a little soft. Closing up the aperature ( aka stopping-down ) will sharpen up the shot, but beyond a certain point a too-small aperature can cause other optical side-effects. So, did tht help at all, or did I just confuse you more?
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Pat Wimpee |
No, actually I think that helped. So the f4 on the lens just means it won't shoot at f2.5 etc., but moving to f 14 should work and a large group would look more in focus. Right?
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery  |
Right, nothing below/wider than f4. And yes to the second part depending on your distance from the group.
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Stan Lubach |
Yes, what Bob said. Plus, the rule of thumb I usually follow is to keep it between f/8 and f/11, available light permitting. From other discussions, this seems to be the sweet spot for a lot of lenses.
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- Bob Cournoyer Contact Bob Cournoyer Bob Cournoyer's Gallery |
Thanks, Stan, I had that typed in then couldn't remember where I'd read it if questioned so erased it. But typing "sweet spot" in the search Q&A above, there's lots of stuff about the f8 to f11...:-) Bob
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Stan Lubach |
Ain't computers wonderful beasts? :)
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Pat Wimpee |
Hey thanks Stan and Bob for your quick response. Now at least I understand a little better. Now off to practice that!!
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