Bokeh

[vickistark]

I keep seeing references to bokeh but not sure what it means. Can someone explain it to me?

[equilution]

Check this out: Bokeh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ken Rockwell's is pretty good too: http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/bokeh.htm

It's a decent introductory.

[vickistark]

thanks I see now.

[equilution]

You'll see a lot of macro shots have some excellent bokeh. There are some great examples on DPS in the Macro SYS forum. Bokeh is also very noticeable in outdoor portrait photography when using the lenses wide open (f/1.4 - 1.8). Some lenses exhibit great bokeh, some don't. It's a function of the quality of the glass and coating on the optics, and a bunch of other technical stuff. Basically, just use what looks good to the eye!

[kgb224]

Thank you for sharing the links my friend.

[equilution]

Here's an example of a lens with good bokeh, the Nikkor 105 micro, 2.8. Notice how the branches in the background have a very soft, rounded, and aesthetically pleasing blurred appearance.


Same lens, great example of good bokeh (it's the lens, not me!)


I don't have any lenses with bad bokeh, but I'm sure you can find an example on Ken Rockwell's site. He compares several Nikon lenses to show the difference: Nikon Lens Bokeh Comparison

Hope this helps.