Middle Ground DOF??

Hi all, got a question for big DOF people. It seems that one of the advantages of the bigger sensor is DOF, and that some people wouldn't have it any other way: anywhere from 1.2 to F11-16; Here's my point/question: What REAL WORLD USE do middle of the range aperatures serve, like 5.6-8? It seems that all landscapes are done with F8 at a minumum, and F11-16 at a max because of diffraction. SO, it would seem that usually people only use extreme aperatures, both big and small, to do 2 things. Capture very little DOF, or maximze it. Usually to minimize it, you hear about 1.8-4, and usually 11 to maximize it. So, when is it appropriate to use these forgotten aperatures, or are they just often forgotten, and not used? (Barring things like 300/400 5.6)

I stick to f/8 unless there is some reason for me to use other.

If I wanted more isolation in the subject I'll choose something larger. If I want more DOF then I'll choose something smaller.
For most snaps and casual photos though, I'm at f/8, which is most of the time.

Mred32
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For most PC troubleshooting, a .22 will do the job.

ok, good idea i suppose.

Use whatever aperture setting works for your shot. That will sometimes be F8, sometims F1.8, and sometimes F4.218237729

Really, the only answer to your question is that it depends on your subject.

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except CANON L series.........any f stop you desire to do the job.
F8 is a sweat spot for most cheaper lenses..(except primes)

I do most of my wild-life shooting at f5.6 > F8.

There are three reasons to change aperture. First, as you stated, is to control depth of field and its relative bokeh. Second, also mentioned in this thread, is to find the 'sweet spot' (often f/8) where the lens is sharpest. Third is to allow use of a specific shutter speed to stop action or allow an amount of blur. Obviously many photos are a compromise between these three reasons.

The old saw on how to have success in photography is "f/8 and be there." In this case, 'f/8' means don't mess up the photo by setting the camera to something very foolish. f/8 is an intermediate point and the suggestion that all pictures be shot at f/8 unless you have a reason to change it has some merit.
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Doug Smith
http://home.comcast.net/~dougsmit/lens.html

thanks Doug!

afternoon, bump.

Its easy to pick the basics.

Wide for portraits, f/8 for who cares, f/16 for gotta have it all.

When you get into tricky situations you may want to use more care.

What if you are taking a portrait in a studio with the perfect light setup at f/2.8 and you get just one eye in focus! Horrible. You better know your DOF before hand.

Another place you may want to know your dof is in a scenic with good close forground and a background. Will f/16 get both the fantastic wildflower in focus or are you gonna have to use one stop smaller? BUT wait! your shutter speed is already too slow! Its a once in a lifetime shot, what you gonna do? sacrifice the shutter speed for DOF? Accept more digital noise with higher ISO? Where is that tripod, back at the hotel and the light is failing fast! Better figure it out.

Check this site: http://dfleming.ameranet.com/custom.html You can calculate your depth of field before you try a shot. Also print some handy charts for use in the field.

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