#F stop values full#

By multiplying the theoretical value by this factor we obtain an actual value. Starting from the F-Stops, manufacturers will calculate the loss of light due to the different disturbance parameters (radius lost against the drum, absorption of the coating, loss when passing through X lenses) and will therefore add around 85% to the transmittance factor calculation. The T-stops integrates the light Transmittance value. In video however, it’s another story because in large productions, we often shoot with multiple cameras, and if there are differences in exposure between several cameras, post-production can very quickly become both complicated and expensive.į-Stops are based on the ratio between Focal length and diameter. In photography, we don’t care so much because the difference is very small, and therefore more acceptable – particularly thanks to post-production. There are many parameters that disturb the theoretical calculation in the transmission of light.įirst of all, for the same lens (same brand, same focal length, same “f”), we realise that there is always a slight difference because the lenses are never quite identical because of the coating, the complexity of the lenses etc., meaning that an f/2 will never really be an f/2. Unfortunately, the lenses are not just lenses placed on tubes of such diameter and length. The limits of F-Stops, and why T-Stops?Īs we have just seen, the diaphragm values or F-Stops, are mathematical calculations that are accessible to anyone. However, all you have to remember there is a ratio of 2 as to the amount of light sent each time. 1.4142), we move from one increment to the next by multiplying by √2 and rounding. Since the area of a circle decreases by half when the radius is divided by √2 (i.e. It is also important to know the famous formula to calculate the area of a circle: Surface of the disc =πr² where “r” symbolises the radius. The difference is that the smaller the value, the larger the surface area. Each increment is therefore twice the surface area of the previous one. At the same time, increasing the opening by 1 “Stop”, or 1 “diaph” means bringing in twice as much light.

You will have noticed that whatever the lens, the camera, or the hybrid, the different diaphragm levels are made up of the same sequence of “numbers”.

#F stop values full#

This is why the lenses are much less cumbersome than on a Full Frame system.į/1.4, f/2, f/2.8 – where do these numbers come from? Indeed, on this system, as a 50mm full frame lens corresponds to a 25mm full frame lens in m4/3, a 12.5mm diaphragm diameter is sufficient to open at f/2. This is also why systems such as the m4/3 (GH5 etc.), which have a sensor smaller than full size, can have very bright optics without being bulky. At this focal length, we will more generally find lenses that open at f/4 (37.5mm diameter). However, via this rule, we realise that if we want an aperture at f/2 for a focal length of 150mm, we will need a diameter of 75mm! This explains why large focal lengths that “open” a lot are very large and very expensive. Regardless of the lens, an f/2 will always give the same amount of light to the sensor – theoretically, at least. The calculation is completed beforehand, and allows the camera operator to have common reference values. To simplify the calculation, we annotate the aperture as f/2, f:2 or even 1:2. For example, a 50mm lens with a maximum diameter of 25mm, we obtain 50/25=2. Where does the aperture value come from?Īperture is simply the relationship between the focal length and the maximum diameter of the diaphragm (i.e. The opening of a lens is managed by the diaphragm, which has the ability to open or close a lens and let more or less light in, meaning that it becomes the first tool to understand when it comes to the management of exposure. In order to go further and understand the mechanism, it is necessary to know both the physical and mathematical limits of a lens in order to choose it with full knowledge of its capabilities. But why do some lenses open less than others? What is the difference between the values expressed in f/xx and TXX? We’ll explain all below.Ĭontrolling exposure has already been discussed at length in a previous article. Latest The maximum aperture of the diaphragm largely determines the performance of an optic, and the amount of light that the lens allows to be passed through.