F-stop (also written as f/number or f-number) is how we describe the size of the aperture opening in a camera lens. It might seem backward at first: lower f-stop numbers mean a wider opening, and higher f-stop numbers mean a smaller opening.
For example:
- f/1.8 = wide opening = more light, shallower depth of field
- f/11 = narrow opening = less light, deeper depth of field
Each full stop of light either halves or doubles the amount of light entering the lens. The common full f-stops are:
f/1.4, f/2, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11, f/16, f/22
Why It Matters
- F-stop affects brightness (exposure) and focus depth
- Lower f-stops give blurry backgrounds and brighter images
- Higher f-stops give sharper landscapes but need more light
Tips
- Don’t worry about memorizing the numbers at first — focus on how your photos look
- Use Aperture Priority mode to control f-stop while letting your camera adjust the rest
- Try different f-stops of the same subject to see how background blur changes