9+ Best Lens for Shallow Depth of Field

It is possible to take delicate and dreamy illustrations that are different from those taken with a good lens with a wide aperture.

Good backgrounds, sharp subjects, and the ability to shoot without autofocus free the photographer from automatic or program mode.

Different types of photography require different kinds of cameras and lenses.

However, shallow depth of field is a style that works especially well with all intermediate, large-aperture, and APS-format SLR cameras.

Best Lens for Shallow Depth of Field

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No matter what type of photography you are doing, proper use of the most important part of your camera, the lens, is critical to getting the perfect picture. Also, optimizing the use of interchangeable lenses on your camera can take you from an amateur to a professional photographer. So choose your lenses carefully.

Finding the right lens for you can be challenging with so many choices. Here is a brief guide on how to choose the first lens you should buy.

Best Lens for Shallow Depth of Field | Comparison Table 2024

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How To Choose The Best Lens for Shallow Depth of Field | Ultimate Guide 2024

What is shallow depth of field photography? And how can you create it to achieve beautiful, professional-looking effects?

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about shallow depth of field.

The True Meaning of Shallow Depth of Field
Why is shallow depth of field so effective in photography?
Five simple ways to create the shallow depth of field effect.
By attending this course, you will become an expert in shallow depth of field.

Sound good? Let’s start with a simple definition.

What is shallow depth of field in photography?

A shallow depth of field means that only a very small portion of the image is in focus.

For example, an image in which the subject is in focus but the background is blurred. This phenomenon is often seen in portrait photography (as you read through this article, you will notice that all of my shallow depth of field examples are portraits. That’s exactly why!) ).

Shallow depth of field contrasts with deep depth of field, where the entire image is in focus from front to back. The deep depth of field effect is often seen in landscape photography, where detail is an important component.

Why are shallow depth-of-field effects important?

Many photographers prefer shallow depth-of-field effects for two main reasons
A shallow depth of field separates the subject from the background and allows the subject to stand out.
The shallow depth of field usually blurs the background, which is really beautiful (when done correctly, of course!).

Often it is a stylistic choice that some photographers prefer shallow depth of field and others avoid it. Here are some genres that revolve around the effect of shallow depth of field.

Portrait photography
Wildlife photography
Street photography (sometimes)
Fashion photography
Product photography (sometimes)
Of course, this list is not all-inclusive, and in any case, you won’t feel limited. I like shallow depth of field, but if you’re shooting landscapes, that’s fine, just shoot what you want.

How to get the shallow depth of field effect

Let’s look at how to give your photos a shallow depth-of-field effect.

The distance of the subject from the background

This is one of the easiest ways to achieve a shallow depth-of-field effect. Place your subject as far away from background objects as possible.

If the subject is right in front of a wall, it will be in focus no matter what you do. But if it is 100 meters in front of that same wall, you will get a much blurrier picture. It’s like giving the background room to blur.

Tip:

Technically, increasing the distance between the subject and the background does not make the depth of field shallower. The depth of the field does not change (it depends on other factors discussed below).

However, moving the subject forward will give the appearance of a shallower depth of field, which is almost equivalent.

Use your camera’s portrait mode.

Most modern beginner cameras have a small wheel at the top with a bunch of little icons: a mode dial.

Some beginner models have scene modes on the mode dial, such as “landscape,” “nightscape,” and “sports.”

Usually, one of these modes is portrait mode. If you are not comfortable with advanced modes (such as aperture priority mode or manual mode), portrait mode can also be useful. Set the aperture wide open (explained in the next section!) ), and you can make the depth of field shallower.

In portrait mode, you have no control over the depth-of-field effect. Therefore, we recommend using it only if you feel completely lost or if you do not intend to learn the basic settings of your camera.

Also, if you want more control, check out the following method for creating a shallow depth of field.

Open the lens aperture

Every lens has an aperture, which opens and closes depending on the camera’s aperture setting.

Opening the aperture will result in a shallower depth of field.

In portrait mode, the aperture is automatically opened. But if you want more control, I recommend using Aperture Priority Mode or Manual Mode, where you can set the aperture freely (and watch the background blur).

If you have never set an aperture before, be aware that small numbers such as F1.8 or F2.8 correspond to a large aperture (i.e., shallow depth of field); large numbers such as F16 or F22 correspond to a narrow aperture (deep depth of field).

To get the effect of a very shallow depth of field, it is best to use an aperture of f/2.8 or higher, but different lenses have different aperture capabilities (since all lenses have a maximum f-number).

If you want to adjust the aperture to achieve the perfect depth of field, I highly recommend putting your camera in aperture priority mode, finding your subject, and experimenting with several different aperture settings. Then carefully review each photo, paying attention to how the aperture setting affects the depth of field.

Use a long lens (and get closer to your subject)

The closer you get to your subject optically and physically with a long lens, the shallower the depth of field and the blurrier the background.

For this reason, portraits with shallow depth of field are usually taken with an 85mm or 70-200mm lens rather than a 50mm or 35mm lens. Longer focal lengths allow you to get closer to the subject and achieve a shallower depth of field. Does this make sense to you?

But don’t worry, even if you only have a 35mm lens, you can still create a shallow depth of field. All you have to do is get closer to your subject. Yes, it may be a bit uncomfortable when photographing people, because you will be shooting right in front of their faces – but the results are worth it.

By the way, long lenses have another advantage over short lenses.

It compresses the background. The actual effect is hard to explain, but it softens the blur in the background, leading to the appearance of a shallower depth of field.

(Don’t get hung up on focal length, especially if you are shooting people; anything over 200mm or so will force you to use a ridiculous backdrop, which can get out of hand, and you will lose some intimacy between the photographer and the subject.)

Get a large aperture lens.

We explained earlier that a large aperture provides an excellent shallow depth of field effect. I also mentioned that lenses have a maximum aperture f-number.

So, if you really want a shallow depth of field, a lens with a wide aperture (called a fast lens) is your friend.

Unfortunately, fast lenses tend to be more expensive, but they are certainly worth the investment. There are also several fast lenses, such as the 50mm f/1.8, that are optically excellent, can blur backgrounds beautifully, and are fairly inexpensive.

(Fast lenses also allow you to shoot in the dark, which is a big plus).

Incidentally, some lenses also have good background blurring. So I recommend reading reviews (or at least looking at example images) of potential lenses before you buy. A good review will talk about the background blur (also called bokeh) and help you decide if the lens is right for you.

How to choose a lens for shallow depth of field?

There are several lens characteristics necessary to achieve a shallow depth of field. This section provides a summary of them. This article serves as a guideline for purchasing the best lens for shallow depth of field.

Model Compatibility

This is probably your first concern when purchasing a lens. To ensure compatibility, it is highly recommended that you match the model number of your camera. In the description of each product, the name of the compatible camera is in bold. If you have any questions, please contact the manufacturer before ordering.

Focal length

This is the distance between the lens and the camera film. A lens with a longer focal length has a shallower depth of field.

Aperture

Aperture, also called aperture, is denoted, for example, as f/1.8. It is based on a specific lens and reaches its maximum value at this point.

A smaller aperture means a smaller f-number. This means that the hole is larger, allowing more light to pass through. As a result, the depth of field becomes shallower. Therefore, the basic rule is to stop down to the smallest aperture value.

Minimum Focusing Distance

You can see the title! The minimum focusing distance allows close-up photography while maintaining the high image quality of the content. It adds a blurring effect to the background to make the subject stand out.

Ease of use

It should be strong enough. The lens should be lightweight and compact for easy portability.

High-quality products such as the ones we have mentioned will allow you to take beautiful pictures even in low light. For those who shoot outdoors, they should be splash, dust, and frostproof.

FAQs

Which lens has a shallow depth of field?

The Canon EF medium telephoto lens is ideal for shallow depth of field photography. It has a focal length of 85 mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.8.

The ultrasonic motor allows you to focus on a smaller area. Focusing is possible at a distance of approximately 2.8m. Excellent choice for this purpose.

How should I shoot with shallow DOF?

You can use the lowest f-number; f0.95 will give you a much shallower depth of field than f2.8. Opening the aperture allows more light to pass through, resulting in amazing image quality.

Focusing at a very close range is possible. 2. blurring the background and foreground can make the subject stand out.

What factors affect shallow DOF?

A camera’s shallow depth of field is influenced by three factors. First is the distance between the camera and the subject. Then, the focal length is important in this game. The last thing to remember is the size of the aperture.

Why does a larger aperture result in a shallower depth of field?

A small aperture causes light to pass through at a narrow-angle. Conversely, a larger aperture will result in a wider angle and better bokeh. Since the area in focus is narrower, light passes through it more quickly. Portrait photography is affected in this way.

What Camera Setting Is Best For Shallow Depth Of Field?

To achieve a shallow depth of field, you’ll want to use a wide aperture (low f-stop number). A wide aperture will result in a smaller depth of field, meaning that only a small portion of the image will be in focus while the rest is blurred.

In addition to using a wide aperture, you can also use a longer focal length and get closer to your subject to further enhance the shallow depth of field effect.

Here are some general settings to consider:

Aperture: Use a wide aperture, such as f/1.8, f/2.0, or f/2.8.
Focal Length: Use a longer focal length, such as 50mm, 85mm, or even longer. The longer the focal length, the shallower the depth of field.
Distance to the subject: Get as close to your subject as possible while maintaining proper focus.
ISO: Set the ISO to the lowest value possible to avoid introducing noise.

Keep in mind that the exact settings you use will depend on the lighting conditions and the effect you want to achieve. Experiment with different settings to find the right combination for your needs.

How Do You Maximize A Shallow Depth Of Field?

To maximize a shallow depth of field, you can follow these tips:

Use a wide aperture: As mentioned before, using a wide aperture (low f-stop number) is the most important factor in achieving a shallow depth of field. The wider the aperture, the shallower the depth of field.
Use a longer focal length: A longer focal length lens can help to compress the background and create a more blurred effect, further emphasizing the shallow depth of field.
Get closer to your subject: By getting physically closer to your subject, you can achieve a shallower depth of field even with a shorter lens. This is because the closer you are to your subject, the shallower the depth of field will be.
Use a full-frame camera: Full-frame cameras have larger sensors that can capture more light and produce a shallower depth of field than crop sensor cameras.
Use a prime lens: Prime lenses tend to have wider apertures than zoom lenses, which makes them ideal for shallow depth of field. They also tend to be sharper and produce better bokeh (the blurred background effect).

By following these tips, you can maximize the shallow depth of field effect in your images. However, keep in mind that a shallow depth of field is not always necessary or desirable for every image, and it is important to choose the right depth of field for the specific shot you are trying to capture.

Do Longer Lenses Have Shallower Depth Of Field?

The focal length of a lens does not directly affect the depth of field. However, it does influence the visual appearance of the depth of field.

When using a longer lens, the distance between the camera and the subject is usually greater, and the angle of view is narrower. As a result, the background appears larger and more compressed, which makes it easier to blur out with a shallow depth of field. This can create a stronger separation between the subject and the background, producing a more prominent bokeh effect.

So, while the actual depth of field is determined by the aperture setting, using a longer lens can create the appearance of a shallower depth of field. Keep in mind that this effect is more pronounced when shooting at wider apertures and when the subject is relatively close to the camera.

What Type Of Lens Would You Use If You Wanted Shallow Focus?

If you want to achieve shallow focus, you would want to use a lens with a wide maximum aperture, also known as a fast lens. Fast lenses allow you to use a wider aperture, which in turn results in a shallower depth of field. The shallow depth of field helps to isolate the subject from the background and creates a pleasing bokeh effect.

Prime lenses, which have a fixed focal length, are often a good choice for achieving shallow focus. They typically have wider maximum apertures than zoom lenses and can create a sharper, more pronounced bokeh. Popular prime lenses for shallow focus include 50mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.4, and 35mm f/1.4.

However, some zoom lenses can also provide a shallow depth of field if they have a wide maximum aperture. For example, a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens can produce a shallow depth of field at the longer end of the zoom range when used at its widest aperture.

In summary, when choosing a lens for shallow focus, look for a lens with a wide maximum aperture and consider a prime lens for even greater control over the depth of field.

How Do You Get A Shallow Depth Of Field With A 35mm?

To achieve a shallow depth of field with a 35mm lens, you can follow these tips:

Use a wide aperture: A wide aperture is essential for creating a shallow depth of field. With a 35mm lens, try using an aperture of f/1.8, f/2.0, or wider if available.
Move closer to your subject: The closer you are to your subject, the shallower the depth of field will be. By getting closer to your subject with your 35mm lens, you can achieve a more shallow depth of field.
Use a longer focal length: If you have a zoom lens that covers a range of focal lengths, try using the longer end of the range to achieve a shallower depth of field. This will compress the background and make it easier to blur out.
Use a full-frame camera: If you’re using a 35mm lens on a camera with a full-frame sensor, you’ll be able to achieve a shallower depth of field than on a camera with a smaller sensor.
Use manual focus: Depending on your camera and lens, using manual focus can provide greater control over which part of the image is in focus and allow you to create a shallower depth of field.

By following these tips, you can achieve a shallow depth of field with a 35mm lens. However, keep in mind that the exact settings you use will depend on the lighting conditions and the effect you want to achieve, so be sure to experiment and adjust accordingly.

Which Aperture Is Used For A Shallow Depth Of Field?

A wide aperture is typically used for a shallow depth of field. This means a lower f-stop number such as f/1.8, f/2.0, or f/2.8, depending on the lens. When you use a wide aperture, only a small area of your image will be in focus while the rest of the image will be blurred, resulting in a shallow depth of field.

The exact aperture you choose will depend on a variety of factors, such as the lighting conditions, the distance between the camera and the subject, and the desired effect. For example, if you want to blur the background completely, you might choose the widest aperture available on your lens. On the other hand, if you want to keep some of the backgrounds in focus, you might choose a slightly narrower aperture.

It’s important to note that a shallow depth of field is not always the best option for every situation or subject. Sometimes, a deeper depth of field is required to ensure that everything in the image is in focus, such as in landscape photography or group portraits.

What Is The Depth Of The Field Of A 28mm Lens?

The depth of field of a 28mm lens depends on several factors, including the aperture setting, the distance between the camera and the subject, and the camera’s sensor size.

Assuming a full-frame camera, if you set the aperture to f/8 and focus on a subject that is 10 feet away from the camera, the hyperfocal distance for a 28mm lens is about 7.2 feet. This means that everything from about 3.6 feet in front of the camera to infinity will be in acceptable focus. This is known as the depth of field.

However, if you open up the aperture to f/2.8, for example, the depth of field will be much shallower, and only a small area around the subject will be in focus. Conversely, if you stop down to f/16 or f/22, the depth of field will be deeper, with more of the scene in focus.

It’s worth noting that the depth of field can be affected by the camera’s sensor size. If you’re using a camera with a smaller sensor, such as an APS-C or Micro Four Thirds camera, the effective focal length of the 28mm lens will be longer, and the depth of field will be affected accordingly.

How Do You Get Shallow Depth Of Field With 18 55 Lens?

Getting a shallow depth of field with an 18-55mm kit lens can be a bit challenging since these lenses typically have a narrower maximum aperture than other lenses. However, here are some tips to help you achieve a shallower depth of field with an 18-55mm lens:

Use a wide aperture: Set your lens to the widest aperture available, which is usually around f/3.5 at 18mm and f/5.6 at 55mm. A wide aperture will reduce the depth of field and blur out the background.
Get closer to your subject: Moving closer to your subject will decrease the depth of field, making the background blurrier.
Zooming into a longer focal length: Zooming into a longer focal length, such as 50mm, will help to reduce the depth of field and create a shallower focus.
Use a full-frame camera: If you’re using an APS-C or crop-sensor camera with an 18-55mm lens, the effective focal length will be longer, which can make it harder to achieve a shallow depth of field. Using a full-frame camera will help you achieve a shallower depth of field.
Use a subject that is far away from the background: If your subject is far away from the background, the background will naturally appear blurrier, even if you can’t achieve a very shallow depth of field.

In summary, while it can be challenging to achieve a shallow depth of field with an 18-55mm kit lens, you can try using a wide aperture, getting closer to your subject, zooming in to a longer focal length, using a full-frame camera, or using a subject that is far away from the background. Be sure to experiment with different settings and techniques to find the right combination for your specific situation.

How Do You Take Sharp Pictures With Shallow Depth Of Field?

Taking sharp pictures with a shallow depth of field can be a bit challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips to help you get sharp images when using a shallow depth of field:

Use a tripod: A tripod will help you keep the camera steady and minimize camera shake, which can result in blurry images.
Use a fast shutter speed: To avoid blur due to camera shake or subject movement, use a fast shutter speed that is appropriate for the lighting conditions and the focal length you’re using.
Use manual focus: When using a shallow depth of field, it’s important to be precise with your focus. Use manual focus and magnify the image on the screen or viewfinder to ensure that you’re focusing on the right area.
Use selective focus: When using a shallow depth of field, you don’t need everything in the frame to be sharp. Instead, focus on the most important part of the subject, such as the eyes in a portrait, and let the rest of the image blur.
Stop down the aperture slightly: While a wide aperture is necessary for a shallow depth of field, opening the aperture all the way can result in images that are too blurry. Try stopping down the aperture slightly to improve sharpness while still maintaining a shallow depth of field.
Use the lens sweet spot: Each lens has a “sweet spot” where it performs best in terms of sharpness. Experiment with different aperture settings to find the sweet spot of your lens and use that setting when shooting with a shallow depth of field.

In summary, to take sharp pictures with a shallow depth of field, use a tripod, a fast shutter speed, manual focus, selective focus, stop down the aperture slightly, and find the sweet spot of your lens. With a little practice and experimentation, you can achieve stunning images with a shallow depth of field.

How Do I Get Less Depth Of Field?

To get less depth of field, you want to reduce the area in your image that is in sharp focus. Here are a few ways to achieve this:

Use a wider aperture: A wider aperture (represented by a lower f-stop number) will result in less depth of field. This is because a wider aperture lets in more light, which allows you to use a faster shutter speed, but it also narrows the area in your image that is in focus.
Use a longer focal length: Using a longer focal length lens will also result in less depth of field. This is because a longer focal length will compress the image, making the background appear closer and appear more out of focus.
Move closer to your subject: By moving closer to your subject, you can reduce the depth of field. This is because the closer you are to your subject, the shallower the depth of field becomes.
Use a full-frame camera: Full-frame cameras have larger sensors than crop-sensor cameras, which allows them to produce less depth of field.
Use a macro lens: Macro lenses are designed for close-up photography and often have a very shallow depth of field.
Use a subject that is far away from the background: If your subject is far away from the background, it will naturally appear more out of focus, even if you’re using a smaller aperture or shorter focal length.

In summary, to get less depth of field, you can use a wider aperture, or longer focal length, move closer to your subject, use a full-frame camera, use a macro lens, or use a subject that is far away from the background. Be sure to experiment with different settings and techniques to find the right combination for your specific situation.

Is Depth Of Field Same On All Lenses?

No, the depth of field is not the same on all lenses. The depth of field is influenced by a number of factors including the aperture, the focal length, the distance from the subject, and the size of the camera sensor.

For example, a lens with a wider maximum aperture (such as f/1.4 or f/2.8) will have a shallower depth of field than a lens with a smaller maximum aperture (such as f/5.6 or f/8). Additionally, a longer lens (such as a telephoto lens) will have a shallower depth of field than a shorter lens (such as a wide-angle lens).

The distance between the camera and the subject also plays a role in the depth of field. The closer you are to the subject, the shallower the depth of field will be. Similarly, the size of the camera sensor can also affect the depth of field. Cameras with larger sensors (such as full-frame cameras) tend to produce a shallower depth of field than cameras with smaller sensors (such as crop-sensor cameras).

In summary, the depth of field varies depending on the lens you are using, the aperture, the focal length, the distance from the subject, and the size of the camera sensor.

Which Objective Lens Has The Deepest Depth Of Field?

The objective lens with the deepest depth of field is typically a lens with a narrower aperture, a shorter focal length, and a smaller sensor size.

In general, lenses with narrower apertures (higher f-stop values) will provide a deeper depth of field. Similarly, shorter focal length lenses (wider angles of view) will provide a deeper depth of field compared to longer focal length lenses (narrower angles of view). Lastly, cameras with smaller sensor sizes will provide a deeper depth of field compared to larger sensor sizes.

So, if you want to maximize the depth of field in your photos, you can use a lens with a narrower aperture (higher f-stop value), a shorter focal length (wider angle of view), and/or a smaller sensor size. However, keep in mind that a deeper depth of field can make the entire image appear in focus, which may not always be desirable for creative or artistic purposes.

Which Objective Lens Has The Best Depth Of Focus?

It’s important to note that “depth of focus” and “depth of field” are not the same thing. Depth of focus refers to the range of distance that can be kept in acceptable focus at a given aperture, while the depth of field refers to the range of distance in an image that appears to be in focus.

That being said, lenses with a high degree of sharpness and resolving power tend to have good depth of focus, meaning they are able to keep a larger area in acceptable focus. Prime lenses (lenses with a fixed focal length) often have better sharpness and resolving power compared to zoom lenses, and higher-end lenses with high-quality optics and coatings tend to have better performance overall.

In general, a lens with a narrower aperture (higher f-stop value) will have a larger depth of focus, meaning it will be able to keep more of the image in acceptable focus. However, this may come at the expense of a shallower depth of field, which may be desirable for creative or artistic purposes.

Ultimately, the best objective lens for depth of focus will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer, as well as the subject and shooting conditions.

Which Lens Type Is Best For Close Focusing?

Macro lenses are generally the best type of lens for close focusing and capturing fine details. These lenses are designed to provide a high level of magnification and focus very close to the subject, making them ideal for macro photography.

Macro lenses come in different focal lengths, typically ranging from 50mm to 200mm or more. The focal length you choose will depend on your specific needs and the type of macro photography you want to do. Shorter macro lenses, such as 50mm or 60mm, are often more affordable and easier to handle, while longer macro lenses, such as 100mm or 200mm, allow you to work at a greater distance from the subject and can provide a more compressed look.

In addition to macro lenses, there are other types of lenses that can be used for close-up photography, including extension tubes and close-up filters. Extension tubes fit between the camera body and lens, allowing the lens to focus closer to the subject. Close-up filters are similar to a magnifying glass that attaches to the front of the lens to allow it to focus closer. While these options can be more affordable than a dedicated macro lens, they may not provide the same level of image quality or control.

What Is Shallow Depth Of Field Dslr?

Shallow depth of field is a photographic effect where only a small portion of the image is in sharp focus, while the rest of the image appears blurred or out of focus. This can be used creatively to isolate a subject from its surroundings or to draw attention to a specific part of the image.

In DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) photography, shallow depth of field is achieved by using a wide aperture (low f-stop value) and/or a longer focal length lens. When the aperture is wide, it allows more light to enter the camera, which creates a shallower depth of field. When a longer focal length lens is used, it compresses the background, making it appear closer to the subject, which can also help create a shallow depth of field effect.

To achieve a shallow depth of field effect, the subject needs to be relatively close to the camera and the background needs to be further away, as this will increase the distance between the subject and the background, further emphasizing the blurred background effect.

Shallow depth of field can be a very effective technique for creating a visually pleasing and eye-catching image, but it’s important to use it appropriately and creatively to enhance the storytelling or aesthetic quality of the photograph.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you probably know all about shallow depth of field and how to create it. So let’s get out of the camera. See if you can get a nice depth-of-field effect. Try the method I suggested.

And have fun.

Now, it’s your turn.

Which method do you prefer? Do you have any tips I’ve missed? Share your ideas in the comments below!