Aperture assistance

[lisamillerphotos]

So, here is my pic of my robin in the snow from this week's snow storm in Ohio. I listened to a speech on aperture of a 2.8 from a sport photographer-blurring the background and getting the center focused. So I went out on a nature walk and tried to capture a few.

I have a NIKON D80, the lowest I could get on the "A setting" was a 5.6 (so not totally Manual), which I thought seemed high....can I have some help in understanding this from all of you photo gurus. As I dive into trying more manual settings, a lot has to register. The more photos you can share, the better. I am a visual learner.

[Nai no Kami]

This reply of mine on this thread may be helpful.
f/5.6 can give you a fairly shallow depth of field if you have the right zoom, the right distance between your subject and the right amount of separation between your subject and its background. On your DSLR, f/5.6 will give you a much more pronounced DOF than f/2.8 in a point and shoot camera, because of the size of the sensor. Full frame sensor DSLRs will give you optimal results.

[prrs4me]

What lens were you using? It would be helpful to see the exif data. Your picture is private on Flickr so I can't see the data.

[GaryMoffat]

You can only set your aperture to f/2.8 If you lens allows this.

You lens "largest" aperture appears to be f/5.6 that you had attached to the camera.

Check the markings on the lens or consult the documentation that came with the lens for its aperture range.

[lisamillerphotos]

I have changed the setting to public, sorry, still learning.

I was using a 55-200mm lens? Does that sound right? Likley zoomed at 200mm.

[Saralonde]

Is this the lens you have? Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED DX VR AF-S
You can go to f/4 at 55mm and only f/5.6 at 200mm. That's why you couldn't get lower than 5.6.
Actually, I think your shot is quite good. I might not leave the bird dead center compositionally, but think the dof is acceptable for the distance you shot.

[lisamillerphotos]

Thanks for your input. I believe that Saralonde has explained my issue. Though I do have a Canon S3 IS, and it does go down to the f/2.8 with the only lens that comes with it.

I am happy with the shot since it was my first success with DOF. Next time perhaps the composition will come into play!

[wulf]

Arguably f/5.6 was a great choice for this photo. If you had used a wider aperture (smaller number, like f/2.8) the branches immediately round the bird would have been blurred and probably more distracting or, even worse, you might have got sharp branches and a soft bird.

If you want to get your head round how aperture affects a picture, the best way is to go out and do some testing. Find a subject like a long brick wall or picket fence that will make it easy to see what is sharp and what is blurry. Ideally use a tripod or find a stable place to sit your camera. Now, focusing on the same point, take a series of pictures stepping through the available apertures. In fact, since you are using a variable aperture lens, do the same series of shots at both ends of the range and somewhere in the middle.

Back home, when you can see the images in detail on your computer screen, work through and see how smaller apertures (bigger numbers) let you capture more of the scene in focus. That is the effect known as depth of field.

Wulf

[Canadian Mum]

I agree with Wulf, this DOF is very nice. I like the branches closest to the robin in focus. The branches farther back are pleasantly blurred... and the ones that are focused don't distract at all.
I also agree with the experimenting. Take your tripod and a notepad... and snap away at a bunch of settings... taking notes on everything (like how you acheived focus, since that won't show in EXIF, and how far between camera, subject and background) then compare and keep notes on which you liked best!

[Pasq]

Hiyas Lisa,

I must say I really like this shot. Placing the bird off center might be a better choice. HOWEVER!!!! What an excellent study in lines, framing, and DOF!

All-in-all, well done!