Does the ‘f’ stop matter when choosing a lens?
Yes, lenses are usually specified as having a minimum and maximum ‘f’
stop rating; the ‘f’ stop is a measure of how efficiently the lens allows
light from the scene, to pass through the lens and onto the camera CCD
sensor. The maximum aperture (when the lens is fully open), is the
minimum ‘f’ stop number and the minimum aperture, (just before the lens
completely closes) is the maximum ‘f’ stop number.
A low minimum ‘f’ stop number means that the lens can pass more light
through during dark conditions, which will produce better pictures at
night.
A high maximum ‘f’ stop number may be necessary where there is a high
level of light or reflection. This will prevent the camera ‘whiting out’.
Article ID: 140, Created: July 14, 2009 at 1:48 PM, Modified: July 14, 2009 at 1:48 PM