why do lenses read.. f3.5-4.5?

13 years 1 week ago #45826 by Nicole99
I know what fstop is.. but why do lenses have two apertures on them... such as 3.5-4.5?


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13 years 1 week ago #45832 by KCook
In your example f-3.5 is the maximum aperture for the widest angle focal length. f-4.5 for when the zoom is at its greatest telephoto focal length. There are zoom lenses that use the same maximum aperture for their entire range, but they tend to be expensive.

Kelly Cook

Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/

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13 years 1 week ago #45833 by Rob pix4u2
Most zoom lenses have a maximum aperture at a given focal length- F 3.5 is the max at one end and 4.5 at the other end of the zoom range. Hope this helps in your understanding the two apertures

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

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13 years 1 week ago #45864 by Nicole99
Thank you both of you. Makes sense now. :)


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13 years 1 week ago #45930 by chasrich
I didn't know that... Thanks for the question and the good answers too. :thumbsup:

“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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13 years 1 week ago #45971 by Screamin Scott
Zooms with changing aperture values are called "variable aperture" zooms. As mentioned above, the lens becomes "slower" as the focal length of the zoom is increased. This info is displayed both on the top LCD & also in the viewfinder. Variable aperture zooms will always cost less than fixed aperture versions (they are smaller & lighter as well)

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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