Diffraction

[Brazo]

I know a lot of people have been using higher f stop numbers f11-F22 to 'maximise' depth of field but at wider angles its really unnecessary and massivly reduces sharpness.

Have a play with the aperture on this test programm and see which apertures turn the optically superb canon 24-70 2.8 II into a mushy 'toy' lens!

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/canon-ef-24-70mm-f-2-8l-ii-usm/3

NB the same will happen with any lens once severe diffraction kicks in!

 

[Ay Ay Ron]

The only time I really try to use higher f numbers is when I need a longer exposure and don't have access to a filter.
Will have a proper read of that later on though when I'm on the laptop.

 

[Niall]

It is a slight problem but it isn’t worth compromising a longer exposure (if thats the effect you’re going for) just for added sharpness IMO. But if it can be avoided then it would certainly be noteworthy to think twice.

 

[DanFreemanPhoto]

People need to know about what this is frankly.

So many times I read on here, 'I just use the smallest aperture, as that's the sharpest' etc...or similar.

 

[Habitual]

So many times I read on here, 'I just use the smallest aperture, as that's the sharpest' etc...or similar.

Me, until about a month ago... Getting there. Still not even had my first DSLR for a year yet though. Can't read everything lol.

Great find Brazo.