Optimum Aperture

[jgs001]

I made the mistake of reading my copy of Tom Ang's Digital Photo Handbook last night. It made me realise how very little I have even a vague idea about . At one point I was even wondering what the point was as I'd never grasp all this.

Anyway, the book mentions the Optimum Aperture and I get the gist of what this is, the aperture of a lens that produces the best image quality. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to work out what the Optimum of a lens is ? Bear in mind, that half the time I can't tell any difference in the direct comparisons that I've seen posted showing a reduction in IQ. Could be just my eyes, or I'm not looking for the right thing. Any advice gratefully received. Thanks in Advance.

 

[neilmac]

There is some useful information, I think , on optimum aperture settings for different situations here http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=75520&page=3 if you haven't already seen it.

Hope this helps,

Neil

 

[StewartR]

Shooting around f/8 will usually get the best out of any given lens. That's what I always do as a sort of default unless the artistic / technical considerations of the shot (depth of field, shutter speed, etc) dictate otherwise.

 

[Steve 7]

f8 - f11 is said to be the sharpest aperture on most lenses, but that doesn't mean you can't use f16. Look at the apertures for landscapes that people use in magazines, often
f16, f22. I personally use f16 exclusively if I am trying to maximize depth of field.

 

[jgs001]

Thanks for the link Neil, I had a read through, lots of useful info. Thanks for the info Stewart.