Using an f/2.8 Lens at f/22

8 years 7 months ago #453084 by Crammer
I recently picked up a new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 and although I use this lens most of the time at 24mm and generally f/16+ for maximum sharpness.  This has me thinking, what is the purpose of paying for a f/2.8 when you don't use for much anything below f/11?  


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8 years 7 months ago #453091 by Screamin Scott
Any lens, used at F16 or F22 will be diffraction limited, thus robbing the image of sharpness. The F2.8 is there for those times when you may need it (as when you want a shallow DOF to isolate your subject). Most lenses are at their best a few stops below the maximum aperture & thus both ends are going to suffer some if used. Does that mean you won't get a sharp image ? No, as IQ is more than just the aperture used.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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8 years 7 months ago #453108 by effron
Scott is correct, but keep in mind we are usually talking about "acceptable" sharpness. I've shot a few photos at F19/F22 range and with a quality lens, proper technique and depending on the subject matter  and what you want to do with it, often only pixel peeping will reveal any diffraction. I suggest you discover the len's strong range by shooting some tests at varying apertures, they aren't all the same.....;)

Why so serious?
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8 years 7 months ago #453114 by Screamin Scott
Yep, I frequently shoot at F16-22 if the light conditions warrant it.  Mind you, I'm using a ring light when doing so as I have to keep the camera's shutter speed at or below the sync speed. This is when shooting  macro....

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

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8 years 7 months ago #453159 by Kitzmiller

Screamin Scott wrote: Any lens, used at F16 or F22 will be diffraction limited, thus robbing the image of sharpness. The F2.8 is there for those times when you may need it (as when you want a shallow DOF to isolate your subject). Most lenses are at their best a few stops below the maximum aperture & thus both ends are going to suffer some if used. Does that mean you won't get a sharp image ? No, as IQ is more than just the aperture used.


:goodpost:


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8 years 7 months ago #453175 by Hoss
f/2.8 is for the speed of the lens


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