The characteristics of the image vary with f numbers.Īt low f numbers, a larger pupil is exposed and the depth of field decreases and may be shallow so that only part of the subject may be in focus.Īt larger f numbers, a smaller pupil is exposed and the depth of field increases so that more of the scene may be in focus.Ī user can choose f numbers by using the Aperture Value (Av) settingįor the camera or the manual (M) setting and setting an f number. The fact that increasing the f number decreases the pupil opening is because the pupil diameter and f number are inversely related to each other. Higher f numbers (such as f16 f22 f32) correspond to smaller entrance pupil for the lens. Lower f numbers (such as f2, f2.8, f4) correspond to a larger entrance pupil for the lens. Opening allowing light to reach the sensor).
Lens focal length divided by the diameter of the lens entrance pupil (the The basic concept is that the f number is the However, on the Rebel camera and in other literature, the f numbers are displayed on the controls without the slash, so I am going to use the convention of referring to an f number of 8 as f8.Ī user of a camera encounters the f number in camera settings. For example, f/8 refers to an f number of 8. Sometimes there is a slash or sometimes there is not a slash. I first want to set out a notation for discussing f numbers.Īn f number is sometimes written with the letter f and the number. The f number involves terms, settings, concepts, and technology dating back to the definition of "apertal ratio" in 1867, andĬurrent photographers use the f number and associated terms like f stop in
Mathematical basis as well as the language used to describe it. Learning about the f number requires understanding its So the f number is a key concept in photography.Įxample scenes illustrating f number settingsįocus can be placed on one part of the scene.Ī clear shot might be possible in low light. Plays a part in the exposure of the picture.Įither the camera sets the f number automatically The f number affects picture sharpness and