Aperture f stops chart

A photographer may choose to slightly narrow the aperture—not enough to significantly darken the shot, but just enough to bring a background object marginally into focus.

Third Stops

Third stops are even finer divisions, splitting a full stop into three distinct intervals. Inside every camera lens lies a mechanical component known as the aperture diaphragm.

It also allows you to work with available light, preserving the ambiance and natural atmosphere of the scene.

For astrophotography, wider apertures help capture distant stars, celestial bodies, and the Milky Way with better clarity and reduced noise. So it lets in four times as much light as f/8. Aperture settings like f/1.4, f/1.8, and f/2.0 are invaluable here, as they maximize light intake and reduce the need for extreme ISO values or long exposures.

In situations like indoor portraits, event photography, or shooting under street lamps, a fast lens (one with a wide maximum aperture) becomes essential.

x 1.414. The ability to manipulate depth of field allows you to control the visual hierarchy within the frame. These lenses are prized for their consistency and reliability in professional environments, especially where varying lighting conditions are common.

If the lens is marked with something like 1:3.5-5.6, it indicates a variable aperture.

Likewise, for creative effects such as silhouette shots or backlit compositions, stopping down your aperture (increasing the f-number) helps reduce exposure and preserve highlight details.

Half Stops

Half-stop increments divide the exposure difference between two full stops into equal halves. Let’s say three camera lenses are positioned in a row: one near the camera, one mid-distance, and one farthest away.

When the aperture is set to f/1.8, the first lens—closest to the camera—is sharply in focus, while the mid-distance and rear lenses dissolve into a blur.

These lenses are often favored by filmmakers or photographers who prefer physical control over digital menus.

It’s essential to become familiar with your specific camera’s layout and button configuration. For example, a lens might have an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22. Different lenses offer different aperture ranges and capabilities. In these fast-paced scenarios, every fraction of a second matters, and aperture becomes a critical tool in maintaining responsiveness and exposure balance.

Scenario 4: Low-Light and Night Photography

Shooting in dark environments—whether it’s a dimly lit street, an indoor venue, or an astrophotography setting—calls for large apertures to gather as much available light as possible.

In Manual mode, you control the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This setup gives you full command over exposure, allowing you to creatively balance motion blur, light sensitivity, and background sharpness.

Most cameras feature a control dial near the shutter release button, often used to adjust aperture values.

Opt for a higher f-stop value, such as f/11 or f/16.

Keep in mind that the F-Stop Chart is just a starting point. Others might have a limit of f/5.6.

Plus, the narrowest (smallest) aperture also varies. This specification is typically presented as a ratio, such as 1:2.8 or 1:4.0, which directly translates to f/2.8 or f/4.0.

For example, a lens labeled 70-200mm 1:2.8 means that the maximum aperture is f/2.8 across the entire zoom range.

A narrow aperture increases the depth of field, meaning more of the scene from foreground to background appears in sharp focus. This handy tool will help you visualize the relationship between f-stop values, aperture size, and exposure. But there’s some fairly simple math behind it. On some models, especially mirrorless systems and high-end DSLRs, dual dials allow independent control over both aperture and shutter speed for smoother operation.

Mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinders give the added advantage of previewing aperture changes in real-time.