Master Aperture Control: How To Change F-stops On Your Nikon D850 And Enhance Your Photography

Mastering the art of changing f-stop on your Nikon D850 is crucial for unlocking the full potential of your camera and capturing stunning images. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive walkthrough of the process, ensuring you can confidently adjust aperture settings and elevate your photography.

Understanding F-Stop

F-stop, also known as aperture, refers to the opening in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera. It is expressed as a number, such as f/2.8 or f/16. A lower f-stop number indicates a wider aperture, allowing more light to reach the sensor and creating a shallower depth of field. Conversely, a higher f-stop number indicates a narrower aperture, resulting in a deeper depth of field.

Changing F-Stop on Nikon D850

Method 1: Using the Lens Aperture Ring

1. Locate the aperture ring on the lens. It is typically marked with a scale of f-stop numbers.
2. Rotate the ring to the desired f-stop. Turn it clockwise for a narrower aperture (higher f-stop) and counterclockwise for a wider aperture (lower f-stop).

Method 2: Using the Camera Body

1. Set the camera to Aperture Priority (A or Av) mode.
2. Press the “Fn” button on the back of the camera.
3. Use the front or rear control dial to adjust the f-stop.

Aperture Effects

Understanding the effects of different f-stop settings is essential for achieving specific creative outcomes:

• Shallow Depth of Field: Lower f-stop numbers (e.g., f/2.8) create a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject and blurring the background.
• Deep Depth of Field: Higher f-stop numbers (e.g., f/16) provide a deep depth of field, keeping both the subject and background in focus.
• Starbursts: Small apertures (e.g., f/16 or higher) can create starbursts around bright light sources.

Choosing the Right F-Stop

The appropriate f-stop depends on the desired creative effect and shooting conditions:

• Portraits: f/2.8-f/5.6 for a shallow depth of field and blurred background.
• Landscapes: f/8-f/16 for a deep depth of field and maximum sharpness.
• Street Photography: f/5.6-f/11 for a balance between depth of field and subject isolation.
• Low-Light Situations: Lower f-stop numbers (e.g., f/2.8) to allow more light into the camera.

Additional Tips

• Use the Live View Function: Enable Live View to preview the depth of field effect before capturing the image.
• Consider ISO and Shutter Speed: Adjust ISO and shutter speed to compensate for changes in f-stop and maintain proper exposure.
• Experiment: Explore different f-stop settings to discover their creative potential and find what works best for your style.

Creative Applications

• Bokeh: Create beautiful blurred backgrounds (bokeh) by using a wide aperture (low f-stop).
• Motion Blur: Use a narrow aperture (high f-stop) to freeze motion or create intentional motion blur.
• Light Painting: Adjust f-stop to control the brightness of light trails during long exposure photography.

Recommendations:

Changing f-stop on your Nikon D850 is a fundamental skill that empowers you to control depth of field, create stunning effects, and elevate your photography. By understanding the principles and techniques outlined in this guide, you can confidently adjust aperture settings and unlock the full potential of your camera.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: What is the difference between f-stop and aperture?
A: F-stop and aperture are interchangeable terms that refer to the opening in the lens that controls the amount of light entering the camera.

Q: How do I change f-stop in manual mode?
A: In manual mode, you need to manually adjust both aperture and shutter speed. Use the lens aperture ring or the camera body controls to set the desired f-stop.

Q: What is the smallest f-stop on the Nikon D850?
A: The smallest f-stop on the Nikon D850 depends on the lens used. It can vary from f/1.4 to f/22 or higher.