Blurring the background

[Cris_L]

How do you get a really blurred background? i understand that i need a low f number 9can't remember if that means large or small aparure!) but the lowest my 18 - 55 will go is bout 4.5 and my 55 - 250 is bout 4 lowest.

I read that f 2.5 best to get a really blurred background - is this possible to achieve with the lenses I have?

 

[Deleted member 23476]

How do you get a really blurred background? i understand that i need a low f number 9can't remember if that means large or small aparure!) but the lowest my 18 - 55 will go is bout 4.5 and my 55 - 250 is bout 4 lowest.

I read that f 2.5 best to get a really blurred background - is this possible to achieve with the lenses I have?

Its the lowest so will be F4 in your case. The F2.5 you are on about is usually f2.8 for zooms and as low as arround f1.2 on primes and f2.8 on zooms. To cut a long story short no your lens will not go that low.

A suggestion for a cheap lens that will though is the 50mm f1.8 that is around £80 - £100

 

[cosmix3]

Distance between the subject and the Background will make a differance, the futher away, teh more blured it will be.

 

[Drpepper99uk]

Hi Cris,

Your best bet would be to buy a Canon 50mm f1.8 prime lens(arounf £100 new) if you wish to experiment with (Wide apertures such as f1.8 onwards) Your kit lens will only go to somewhere around f3.5 which will blur the background(bokeh) but not as much as a dedicated prime lens would.

Small f number(f1.8 etc) = wide aperture
Large f number(f16 etc) = narrow aperture.

Mike.

 

[Photodiva]

With your lens, place your subject as far away from the background as you can achieve, as has been said. Otherwise, it is possible to blur things out in software.

 

[Cris_L]

Thanks guys, its a good bit clearer now.

Guess I need to think how often I'll be taking such shots to see if its worth buying the 50mm lens at this stage or to wait a few months as there is a lot on my wish list!

 

[B16 VAS]

Turn it to Av.
Zoom your lens in to the fullest possible.
Change the F number to the lowest possible at 55mm zoom (assuming your using 18-55).
As other said keep the subject out of focus far away.

I'm very new to all this so if theres something wrong someone feel free to correct!

 

[Bristolian]

You'll find it easier to get a blurred backround with the 55-200. Switch to aperture priority (Av on a Canon?). Zoom all the way out and make sure the aperture is at the widest (smallest number). Keep your subjects away from the background and you'll have to stand well back to get them in frame.