Bokeh Lesson from a patient Bee . . .

[clockdoc]

This link will take you to a very thorough visual comparison of different apertures for different focal length lenses. Although shot on a Nikon D80, the visual results shouuld be close for other maker's lenses.
http://www.wlcastleman.com/equip/reviews/d80/index.htm

Note how the background blur is different on the telephoto lenses as compared to a 50mm at the same aperture.

[RussHeath]

Clockdoc -- That series of photos illustrates several points, particularly as this concept applies to portraits. The bokeh is much more pleasing to my eye with the longer lens at comparable apertures (for reasons Tiberius stated).

Also the 50mm lens pictures demonstrate what Elay pointed out regarding the number of diaphragm blades. Here, the points of light to the left of the mannequin show geometric shapes caused by the number of blades. Very interesting and good to know for those looking to improve bokeh in portraits.

Thanks for adding to the discussion!

[Tiberius]

Originally Posted by newbie

Tiberius -- Thanks, your explanation makes a lot of sense. Also, I've enjoyed the tutorials in your signature!

Thanks, glad you like the tuts I wrote.

[tjwExperience]

Thanks for the tutorial.

I have always found that I get better Bokeh with my telephoto lens then with my macro lens. My telephoto lens has a focal length of 75-300mm while my macro lens only has a focal length of 50mm. While the macro lens does take amazing pictures and allow me to get extremely close, the Bokeh isn't as good as with the telephoto lens.

[RussHeath]

Originally Posted by tjwExperience

Thanks for the tutorial.

I have always found that I get better Bokeh with my telephoto lens then with my macro lens. My telephoto lens has a focal length of 75-300mm while my macro lens only has a focal length of 50mm. While the macro lens does take amazing pictures and allow me to get extremely close, the Bokeh isn't as good as with the telephoto lens.

You're welcome. While I love my 105 macro and it's lovely bokeh, it sure is a beast to carry (just shy of 2 lbs)! Oh well, my back is still young(ish). Life's a bunch of tradeoffs, right?

[Tenzin'sMom]

Russ, thank you so much! I'm a new DSLR user and have always loved macro shots. Just starting to get the hang of my new toys, and macro is something I'm wanting to try. You given me so much help with this wonderful lesson.

My thanks to you and your friend the bee!

[RussHeath]

Originally Posted by Tenzin'sMom

Russ, thank you so much! I'm a new DSLR user and have always loved macro shots. Just starting to get the hang of my new toys, and macro is something I'm wanting to try. You given me so much help with this wonderful lesson.

My thanks to you and your friend the bee!

I'm glad you found this old thread useful! Good luck learning macro.