F/2.8 lenses as important today vs F/4?

4 years 9 months ago #647937 by Steve Kemp
With all the modern advancements in cameras, post process and all other factors considered.  Do we really need f/2.8 apertures?  Or will f/3.5 or f/4 lens be OK? 


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4 years 9 months ago #647944 by Nikon Shooter
Aperture is an important element in exposure but it is also
an option to consider when it comes to creative intent in
terms of selective DoF.

Personally, I prefer to have one tool too many in the box
than missing it when I'd need it.

Light is free… capturing it is not!
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4 years 9 months ago #647993 by Screamin Scott

Nikon Shooter wrote: Aperture is an important element in exposure but it is also
an option to consider when it comes to creative intent in
terms of selective DoF.

Personally, I prefer to have one tool too many in the box
than missing it when I'd need it.


+1 on this reply...

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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4 years 9 months ago #648053 by garyrhook


Steve Kemp wrote: With all the modern advancements in cameras, post process and all other factors considered.  Do we really need f/2.8 apertures?  Or will f/3.5 or f/4 lens be OK? 


What about f/1.8? f/1.4? f/1.2? Why pick on f/2.8?

The answer is, yes, of course. Nothing you do to the camera has anything to do with aperture. PP can't fake blur correctly. And those other factors... are irrelevant, because you don't specify them.

#glassmatters


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4 years 9 months ago #648087 by Tony Imaging
Control of depth of field will always be an artistic control that is important.  We aren't talking about unit of measure that is performance related like ISO or MP.  So yes, it's very important, that f/2.8 and all the other stops Gary mentioned that fall below it too.  


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4 years 9 months ago #648178 by Jared-Weaver
Yes to many no to some. 

For me myself and I speaking for myself, weight savings is more important than the extra DoF so I use F4 lenses. They're just as sharp and I never find myself wanting in the field. 

Its really all about you. What's your style? Are you an outdoor photographer? Are you OK with the extra weight? Lots to consider, but there is no "more important" max aperture.  


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