best depth of field at ƒ2

Discussion in 'Beginner Questions' started by Caladina, Jun 4, 2020.

  1. Caladina

    Caladina Well-Known Member

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    If i want to shoot at ƒ2 what is the best set up for the best depth of field on the subject.
    I Know that the ƒ number is the primary depth of field selector, the question i'm asking is what other things will alter the dof on the subject.
    ie will standing further from the subject and using a zoom/tele lens have a better dof than being close to it with a prime lens.

    without photo stacking
     
    Caladina, Jun 4, 2020
    #1

  2. GDN

    GDN Well-Known Member

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    The closer the subject, the thinner the dof will be. So shooting macro subjects at f2, you will end up with a paper thin dof. With a longer lens, how long a lens are you looking at you looking at with a maximum aperture of f2?

    Gary
     
    GDN, Jun 4, 2020
    #2
  3. Craig Sherriff

    Craig Sherriff Well-Known Member Site Supporter

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    As you know, the aperture is only part of the story when it comes to depth of field, other factors are distance from subject and focal length.
    Have a look at a site called DOFMaster, a free depth of field Gage.
    It allows you to plug in your lens and make.
    How far away from you subject .
    Your aperture.
    From this info you are given your depth of field from the subject to you, the depth of field from the subject to infinity and the overall depth of field distance and some simple explanation how depth of field works.
    Really good if you have a modern lens with no depth of field scale.
     
    Craig Sherriff, Jun 4, 2020
    #3
  4. johnsey

    johnsey Site Moderator Staff Member Site Supporter

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    So yes the equation really comes down to f stop, distance to subject and focal length.

    My question is why do you want to shoot f2? If you want shallow DOF then wide open is definitely the way to go, but if you need the light there are other several options.
     
    johnsey, Jun 4, 2020
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  5. Dave Lewis

    Dave Lewis New Member

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    Best advice is to practice, take shots from multiple distances to learn how your rig will handle various dof settings. Close up, 2.0 can even make the back pedals of a rose blur so go out and play around one morning to experiment!
     
    Dave Lewis, Jul 3, 2020
    #5

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