How often do you shoot below f2.0?

[Contarama]

I still have not figured out digital DoF with APs (?) sensors. But I my buy a FF DSLR just to not have to relearn DoF.

I feel the same way...


I like to shoot wide open and do so mainly to separate and isolate the subject. Most of the time however I am usually a few stops from wide open. I do need to run a series of tests on all my lenses and find out where the sweet spot is on each. Someday.

 

[BlackXList]

I do a lot of handheld stuff in low to very low light, so I'll go close to wide open when I need to.

In daylight though, like others 5.6 is usually my starting point

 

[goamules]

How often wide open?

- For wetplate - 90% of the time. You need the light, the exposures are measured in seconds to dozens of seconds.

- For Large Format, about 40% of the time, because that's how often I shoot portraits, and antique portrait lenses look best shot wide open.

- For Soft Focus (Verito or Kodak Portrait lenses for 2 examples), about 95% of the time. It's how you get the effect, otherwise, I select another lens.

- For 35mm or adapted digital, about 15% of the time, portraits and close up work.

It's one of the tools in the photographer's chest, why wouldn't you use it?

 

[maddoc]

20%. It used to me more when I took more photos after dusk. F/1.0 and 1.4 are very helpful at night. 🙂

 

[oftheherd]

I have no idea what percentages would be over the years. But since my first SLR lens that had f/1.4, I have used it any time I wanted a photo in low light, which happened both for work and personal photos. I seldom use it for bokeh, but may for isolation of a subject.

 

[Bingley]

Not very often. For background blur, f2.8 on a 50 is usually just right.

 

[jsrockit]

I use whatever I need to get the photo I want. I use my lenses wide open often... early morning or night. I'll take a faster shutter speed over more depth of field most of the time since I have a shaky hands.