Which aperture setting yields the greatest depth of field among the options: F2.8, F4.0, F5.6, F8.0?

Which aperture setting yields the greatest depth of field among the options: F2.8, F4.0, F5.6, F8.0?

• A. F2.8
• B. F4.0
• C. F5.6
• D. F8.0

Answer: (D)

Stopping down the lens, using a smaller opening, increases depth of field. When the aperture is smaller (a higher f-number), less light enters and the range of distances that appear acceptably sharp expands. That wider range means more of the scene—front to back—stays in focus. Among the options, the one that uses the smallest opening will have the deepest depth of field, so more of the scene is sharp throughout. The other choices use larger openings, which produce a shallower depth of field with less of the scene in focus. Keep in mind that smaller openings let in less light, so you may need a longer shutter speed or higher ISO to compensate.

Stopping down the lens, using a smaller opening, increases depth of field. When the aperture is smaller (a higher f-number), less light enters and the range of distances that appear acceptably sharp expands. That wider range means more of the scene—front to back—stays in focus. Among the options, the one that uses the smallest opening will have the deepest depth of field, so more of the scene is sharp throughout. The other choices use larger openings, which produce a shallower depth of field with less of the scene in focus. Keep in mind that smaller openings let in less light, so you may need a longer shutter speed or higher ISO to compensate.