• Canon DSLR Cameras

  controlling depth of field

  Posted by Tim Taylor on February 29, 2012 at 11:26 pm

  I’m using the Canon T2i to shoot interviews, and I like to use a (f1.8) 50mm prime lens to get the background out of focus. Currently I’m using a legacy FD lens with an Zykor adapter, but I find that I have zero control then over the aperture. I think it just operates wide open, and the depth of field is actually too shallow for me.
  Am I missing something? Is there a way so stop it down to get more DoF, or do I have to spring for the EF lens to get all the functionality?

  Thanks,

  Tim Taylor, Producer/Editor
  RESolution Media Services, LLC

  Tim Taylor replied 14 years, 1 month ago 2 Members · 4 Replies
• 4 Replies

• 

  Bob Dix

  March 4, 2012 at 8:35 am

  You would be better of using , say a 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS Canon Lens and no adapters,at say 85mm or 135mm or an EF l series f2.8 25-70 mm Lens at say 70 mm.

  GOOD LUCK !

  Freelance Imaging & Video
  AUSTRALIA
• 

  Tim Taylor

  March 6, 2012 at 2:00 pm

  I found the answer.
  The adapter has to be all the way in the locked position, or the aperture won’t fire.

  Tim Taylor, Producer/Editor
  RESolution Media Services, LLC
• 

  Bob Dix

  March 8, 2012 at 1:43 am

  AH, I see

  Freelance Imaging & Video
  AUSTRALIA
• 

  Tim Taylor

  March 8, 2012 at 1:00 pm

  Thanks Bob!
  Unfortunately, most of the locations I find myself in don’t have enough room to use the longer lenses. The 50mm works most of the time, and gives me a plenty shallow DOF. (sometimes too shallow, as I mentioned) As for the DF lens, I’m just being cheap about it – the adapter was only $20, while the EF lens is around $100.

  Tim Taylor, Producer/Editor
  RESolution Media Services, LLC

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