Your camera’s aperture determines how much light will enter the sensor and how much is in focus. The number is displayed on the camera as an “f/number.” The smaller the number, the wider the aperture. Aperture can vary from f/1.8 to f/22. The lower the ‘f’ number, the wider the aperture. In low-light conditions, f/1.4 is a good choice. In general, a smaller ‘f/2’ lens will do just as well.
The higher your f-stop, the less light will come through your lens. Aperture also affects depth of field. Depending on what you’re photographing, you can set your f-stop to f/2.8 to a low f/11 to make the subject in the center of the frame appear in focus. Choosing the right ‘f’ value depends on the scene you’re shooting. You can choose between a crisp, detailed focus on your subject and an expansive scene. Aperture is also tied to exposure.
Aperture controls the amount of light that enters the camera. When shooting a landscape, the f/4 setting covers 2.6 to 4.6 feet. The f/2.8 setting covers more than six feet of ground. While post-processing tools can help you get the DoF right, getting the shot in-camera is usually more effective. Aperture also controls the depth of field and bokeh. If you’re using a digital camera, you’ll find these settings very useful for outdoor shooting.