Finding the Optimal Aperture Stop for a Portrait Photo

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the optimal aperture stop for a portrait photograph taken at a distance of 6 meters using a 100 mm lens. The photographer must choose between f/4, f/8, and f/16 to achieve a depth of field (DoF) of approximately 0.5 meters while limiting image blur to the size of one pixel (0.26 mm). The relevant equations include the depth of field formula and the relationship between F-number and lens diameter. The conclusion suggests calculating the required parameters for each aperture stop to identify which setting meets the DoF requirement.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of depth of field calculations in photography
  • Familiarity with lens specifications, including focal length and aperture stops
  • Knowledge of the paraxial approximation and its application in optics
  • Basic principles of image blur and sensor pixel size
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate depth of field using the formula δz = (2*l*ρ*D)/(D² - ρ²) for different aperture stops
  • Explore the relationship between F-number and lens diameter using F# = f/D
  • Investigate the effects of sensor pixel size on image quality and depth of field
  • Learn about the implications of using the paraxial approximation in photography
USEFUL FOR

Photographers, optical engineers, and anyone interested in mastering depth of field calculations and lens performance in portrait photography.

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Homework Statement



A photographer is taking a portrait photo of a person at 6 m distance from his digital camera, which has a sensor pixel size of 10 μm and is equipped with a f = 100 mm thin lens. Image blur is supposed to be limited to the size of one pixel. Which of the following aperture stops: f/4, f/8, or f/16 should the photographer select in order to get a depth of field of about 0.5 m?

Homework Equations



Depth of field = δz = (2*l*ρ*D)/(D2 - ρ2)
ρ = -ρ'*l/l' = ρ'[(l/f) -1]
F# relates to f such that, if F# = 8, you have an f/8 aperture stop.
Using the paraxial approximation for a single lens, F# = f/D
For a single lens with diameter D and a stop at the lens, NA = D/(2*f)
F# = 1/(2*NA) by definition
For a general system, F# = f/(2*he) with he being the height of the entrance pupil

The Attempt at a Solution



We know ρ' = 1 pixel ≈ 0.26 mm. l = 6000 mm. I'm not sure what sensor pixel size describes - is it D? If it is, I'm confused about when I can use F# = f/D. I know the paraxial approximation is used only at very small angles, so maybe that equation isn't valid when we're 6 m away. Maybe I can't use that, but if the sensor pixel size is D, I could plug into the NA equation - but again, I feel that this would be too simple, so I think I'm oversimplifying it. Since I'm given ρ', l, and f, I could find ρ, and maybe I'm supposed to find ρ for each of the different f's (using the given F#'s and multiplying by D)and just plug into the δz equation to see which gives me the result closest to 0.5 m. This confuses me somewhat as f was given to be 100 mm, so how could f be anything else?
Thanks in advance. :)
 
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