Aperture depth of field guide
Aperture and Depth of Field: Which f-stop Should You Use?
Aperture is one of the fastest ways to change depth of field. Wider apertures create more blur; smaller apertures increase the focus range.
Fast answer: Simple DoF Calculator supports apertures from f/0.95 to f/64, so you can compare creative blur and practical sharpness.
How aperture affects sharpness
Changing from f/2 to f/8 can dramatically increase the area that appears sharp, but the exact amount depends on lens focal length, camera format and focus distance.
How to compare f-stops in the app
- Select your camera and focal length.
- Enter your planned focus distance.
- Start with your preferred creative aperture.
- Move through nearby f-stops and compare the depth of field result.
- Pick the aperture that balances blur, sharpness and exposure.
Common starting points
Try f/1.4 to f/2.8 for shallow portraits, f/5.6 to f/11 for general photography, and f/8 to f/16 for deep landscape focus when light and diffraction allow.