What To Know
- This blog post will guide you through the process of changing aperture on your Canon 70D, empowering you to take stunning photos with the perfect amount of blur and focus.
- On the other hand, a **larger f-number** (like f/16) represents a **smaller aperture opening**, letting in less light and resulting in a **deeper depth of field**.
- A shallow depth of field can create a dreamy, ethereal look, while a deep depth of field can emphasize details and create a sense of realism.
The Canon 70D is a fantastic camera for photographers of all levels, offering a wide range of features and control. One of the most important aspects of photography is understanding and manipulating aperture, which controls the amount of light entering the lens and directly impacts your image’s depth of field. This blog post will guide you through the process of changing aperture on your Canon 70D, empowering you to take stunning photos with the perfect amount of blur and focus.
Understanding Aperture and Its Impact
Aperture, often represented by an “f-number” like f/2.8 or f/16, is essentially the size of the opening in your lens. A smaller f-number (like f/2.8) indicates a **larger aperture opening**, allowing more light to pass through, resulting in a **shallower depth of field**. This creates a blurry background (bokeh) and isolates your subject. On the other hand, a **larger f-number** (like f/16) represents a **smaller aperture opening**, letting in less light and resulting in a **deeper depth of field**. This keeps both the foreground and background sharp.
The Importance of Aperture in Photography
Aperture plays a crucial role in photography, influencing several aspects of your image:
- Depth of Field: As mentioned earlier, aperture directly controls the depth of field, allowing you to blur the background and emphasize your subject or keep everything in focus.
- Exposure: Aperture affects the amount of light reaching the sensor, impacting your exposure. A larger aperture lets in more light, allowing you to shoot in low-light conditions or use faster shutter speeds.
- Creative Control: By manipulating aperture, you can create different artistic effects. A shallow depth of field can create a dreamy, ethereal look, while a deep depth of field can emphasize details and create a sense of realism.
Changing Aperture on Your Canon 70D: The Basics
There are two main ways to change aperture on your Canon 70D:
1. Using the Aperture Ring (if your lens has one): Some lenses, particularly older manual lenses, have a physical aperture ring. This ring allows you to manually select the desired aperture value by rotating it.
2. Using the Camera’s Control Dial: Most modern Canon lenses, including the kit lens that often comes with the 70D, lack a physical aperture ring. In this case, you’ll use the camera’s control dial to adjust the aperture.
Changing Aperture Using the Control Dial
1. Select Aperture Priority (Av) Mode: Turn the Mode Dial on your camera to the “Av” setting. This mode allows you to control the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed for proper exposure.
2. Locate the Control Dial: Look for the dial on the top right side of your camera. This dial is usually marked with a “Main” or “Control” symbol.
3. Adjust the Aperture: Rotate the Control Dial to change the aperture value. As you turn the dial, the aperture value will change in the viewfinder and on the LCD screen.
4. Understanding the Aperture Scale: The aperture scale on your camera displays a series of f-numbers (like f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, etc.). Remember that smaller f-numbers represent larger aperture openings and vice versa.
Tips for Using Aperture Effectively
- Experiment with Different Apertures: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different aperture values. Take multiple shots at different settings to see how they affect your images.
- Consider the Scene: The best aperture setting for your photo depends on the scene you’re shooting. For portraits, a shallow depth of field is often ideal to blur the background and isolate the subject. For landscapes, a deeper depth of field can ensure that both the foreground and background are sharp.
- Pay Attention to Exposure: As you adjust the aperture, the camera will automatically adjust the shutter speed to maintain proper exposure. If your scene is too bright or too dark, you may need to adjust your ISO or shutter speed manually to compensate.
Mastering Aperture for Creative Photography
Once you understand the basics of aperture, you can start using it creatively to enhance your photography. Here are some ideas:
- Bokeh: Experiment with shallow depths of field to create beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus blur) in your images. This is particularly effective for portraits and macro photography.
- Panoramic Landscapes: Use a wider aperture to capture more detail in landscapes, ensuring that both the foreground and background are sharp.
- Low-Light Photography: A larger aperture allows you to capture more light, making it easier to shoot in low-light conditions without having to use a slow shutter speed.
- Motion Blur: A slow shutter speed (often necessary with larger apertures) can create intentional motion blur, capturing the movement of your subject.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Advanced Aperture Techniques
For those seeking more advanced techniques, consider these options:
- Aperture Bracketing: This technique involves taking multiple shots of the same scene at different aperture settings. This allows you to choose the best depth of field later in post-processing.
- Manual Aperture Control: While Aperture Priority (Av) mode is convenient, you can also control aperture manually (M mode) for complete creative freedom.
- Lens Selection: Different lenses offer different maximum aperture values. A lens with a larger maximum aperture (e.g., f/1.8) will allow you to achieve shallower depths of field and better low-light performance.
The Final Word: Embracing the Power of Aperture
Understanding and mastering aperture is a fundamental skill for any photographer. Your Canon 70D provides you with the tools to control this essential element of photography, unlocking a world of creative possibilities. By experimenting with different aperture settings and understanding their impact on your images, you can elevate your photography to new heights and capture stunning photos that truly showcase your vision.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: What is the difference between aperture and shutter speed?
A: Aperture controls the size of the lens opening, affecting the amount of light entering the camera and the depth of field. Shutter speed controls the duration the shutter remains open, affecting the amount of light entering the camera and the movement captured in your image.
Q: How do I know what aperture to use for a specific photo?
A: The best aperture setting depends on the scene you’re shooting and the effect you want to achieve. For portraits, a shallow depth of field (larger aperture) is often ideal. For landscapes, a deeper depth of field (smaller aperture) is typically preferred.
Q: Can I change the aperture on my Canon 70D without using the control dial?
A: Yes, you can adjust the aperture using the quick control buttons on the back of your camera. However, the control dial provides a more precise and intuitive way to adjust the aperture.
Q: What is the best aperture for low-light photography?
A: A larger aperture (smaller f-number) is ideal for low-light photography as it allows more light to enter the camera, enabling you to use faster shutter speeds and reduce noise.
Q: What are the benefits of shooting in Aperture Priority (Av) mode?
A: Aperture Priority (Av) mode allows you to control the aperture while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed for proper exposure. This simplifies the process of setting the aperture and ensures consistent exposure.
