1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Taking the Photo | Editing | The art of Photography!
  4. Beginner Photography Forum
  5. “stopped down” meaning?

“stopped down” meaning?


5 years 6 days ago #640687 by TGonzo
I've heard this phrase mentioned a couple times and get that it has something to do with the lens, but can't get my head around understanding why.   "Stopped down"?  It doesn't even sound right. 

Do you know how this term is intended or is this slang?
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 days ago #640698 by Troponin

TGonzo wrote: I've heard this phrase mentioned a couple times and get that it has something to do with the lens, but can't get my head around understanding why.   "Stopped down"?  It doesn't even sound right. 

Do you know how this term is intended or is this slang?


Stopping down = Increasing the aperture number which makes the aperture smaller, decreasing the light being able to get through. “Stops” are also in reference to light, as they step up or down”. 
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 days ago #640701 by Nikon Shooter

Troponin wrote: Stopping down = Increasing the aperture number which makes the aperture smaller, decreasing the light being able to get through.


Yes, correct but only in one aspect, the second is related to DoF.

Stopping down — by say one stop value — means to half the ex-
posure in one of three ways: ƒ stop, time, and ISO.

The reason to stop down by one or more stops may be to correct
the exposure, increase DoF, or freeze an action for example.

In general terms, a click of any of the three ways will cut 50% off
the light previously set to capture.

The thing works both ways. Stop up is to double.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 days ago #640714 by Troponin

Nikon Shooter wrote:

Troponin wrote: Stopping down = decreasing the light being able to get through.


Yes, correct but only in one aspect, the second is related to DoF.

Stopping down... means to half the ex-
posure in one of three ways: ƒ stop...


I don’t follow. Didn’t you just repeat what I said, but in other words? 
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 days ago #640716 by Nikon Shooter
I confirmed your post and extended the definition to the
other uses and their flexibility and benefit.
Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
5 years 6 days ago #640739 by GaryA
The Lens Aperture is measured in "F Stops" (2, 2.8, 4 et cetera).  Stopped Down is referenced a small aperture opening. A Stop will either increase the exposure by a factor of 2/doubled (Stopped Up) or decrease the exposure by a factor of 2/halved (Stopped Down). 
There are photographs everywhere. It is the call of photographers to see and capture those images.
www: garyayala.com
,
5 years 6 days ago #640740 by garyrhook
Actually, a little bit of googling consistently shows that "stopping down" refers specifically to changing the aperture (i.e. making it smaller). Even Mirriam Webster uses this definition for the term.

I've not run across anyone else that attempted to expand the definition by referring to adjusting exposure. Of course, my experience is limited to a handful of years. And the knowledge of the google.

So unless NS gets to redefine terms already in common use (no, it turns out, you don't) then what I think he meant was, "I conflated by trying to involve other uses and their flexibility and benefit [sic]." I, for one, am not clear how that helps answer the OP's question.
Photo Comments
The following user(s) said Thank You: icepics
,
5 years 6 days ago - 5 years 6 days ago #640741 by icepics
If you stop down a lens you're going from say, f4 to f5.6 to f8 to f11... each time you cut the light in half. Each is considered to be a stop. You're stopping 'down' because of the settings being fractions that get progessively smaller.
Sharon
Photo Comments
,
4 years 11 months ago #642916 by fmw
It is photographic slang.  Prior to the digital age, the f stops (2.8, 4, 5.6, 8 etc) were marked on the lens aperture ring and were accompanied by a detent that would stop the ring at the desired setting.  So stop means f stop and it was turned into a verb by photographers.  So moving from one f stop to another smaller one was termed "stopping down.''. 

With preset lenses one had to be sure he was stopped down before firing the shutter.  Or he may want to stop down to increase depth of field.  We old timers use the term regularly.
Photo Comments
,

  1. Forum
  2. Photography and Camera Forum
  3. Taking the Photo | Editing | The art of Photography!
  4. Beginner Photography Forum
  5. “stopped down” meaning?

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Show Me...

Visit 4wdtlak Forum
Saal

Latest Reviews

Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
Canon EOS R50 Review

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024
Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Review

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024
More Articles
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Sponsored Imageimages2/mpb145x145buy.pngSponsored Imageimages/stories/ad_agency/2/1550848144.png
Sponsored ImageSponsored Image

Latest Articles

5 Keys for More Impactful Photos of Landscapes

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024
Canon EOS R100 Review

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024
Expert Tips to Upgrade Your Camera Gear With Used Equipment

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024
What is Blue Hour Photography?

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024
Nikon Zfc Review

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024
5 Dog Photography Tips for Stunning Results

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024
FAQs About Acrylic Print Photos

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024
More Articles