Do You Know How F Stops

Do You Know How F Stops, Shutter Speeds, And Iso Are Related?

by BobKahn on Jun 23, 2009

F Stops, Shutter Speeds and ISO- How do they relate?

When you think that the relationship between your F Stop and Shutter Speed, Focal length of your lens, and your ISO can make such a difference in the final image you create, it is surprising how few photographers actually understand the intricate relationships between them.

First we will define each factor, followed by details of how each factor affects the others.

F STOPS

No, that name is not derived from a vulgar term. The concept of F stops was invented by a man whose initial was F.

They are the diaphragm, or the opening of the lens. The F Stop determines the amount of light that will pass through the lens.

Shutter speed

When we had film cameras, we had various forms of shutters that opened and closed and while also allowing light to "hit" the film, and could and still are used to control light, primarily, the Shutter Speed...Read More >>