Lens with smaller and bigger f/ numbers

Hi, Please advise me when to use a lens with a small "f" (f/2.8) number and when with a bigger f number (f/3.5 or 4.5)? I love photography, but I really don't know much about lenses as I used to take photos with a point and shoot camera.

Aneela said:

Hi, Please advise me when to use a lens with a small "f" (f/2.8) number and when with a bigger f number (f/3.5 or 4.5)? I love photography, but I really don't know much about lenses as I used to take photos with a point and shoot camera.

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Perhaps this chart will help you understand a little better:

The numbers describe the apperture position.
the smaller the number, the more open the apperture, enabling more light to enter (and typically requiring a higher shutter speed); as a byproduct, the more open the apperture, the more you get a low depth of field

The lower the number the more light that can go through the lens. In other words, you can take a picture in lower light without a flash. BUT there is not really that much difference really in the two lenses that you mentioned.

I believe fotojack shared this link with me a couple months ago when I was first learning and I find it VERY helpful. Hope it helps you http://www.facethelight.com/aperture.php

Go here - http://nikonites.com/learning-photography/14171-***-post-your-useful-links-***.html

read & learn more about the basics of photography

Thank you so much. It's really very helpful.