stopping down?????

[Cutter]

I think I should know this but here goes: When using a monopod or tripod and they say it allows you a few stops, What does that mean? is it Fstops or shutter stops? Could you give me an example of settings with and without monopod? Cheers

[ap4a]

Stopping down means to use a smaller aperture. A tripod or monopod allowing you a few extra stops (with a sturdy tripod allowing far more) is due to them stabilising the equipment while you take the shot.

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by ap4a

Stopping down means to use a smaller aperture. A tripod or monopod allowing you a few extra stops (with a sturdy tripod allowing far more) is due to them stabilising the equipment while you take the shot.

Thanks again ap4a, another problem solved

[OldBoy]

I prefer to say it allows you to use a slower shutter speed rather than aperture. So, for example 1/15s rather than 1/125s handheld, thus reducing the ISO needed which means less noise.

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by OldBoy

I prefer to say it allows you to use a slower shutter speed rather than aperture. So, for example 1/15s rather than 1/125s handheld, thus reducing the ISO needed which means less noise.

so it's up to you wether you have a smaller ap or a slower shutter speed? which ever is the most important I guess?
!

[ap4a]

Originally Posted by Cutter

so it's up to you wether you have a smaller ap or a slower shutter speed? which ever is the most important I guess?
!

Unless you also adjust the ISO, one leads to the other.

[chris-p]

A stop is simply 1 EV. Doesn't matter if it's shutter speed, ISO or aperture size.

As each is dependant on the other, it's more of a case that a tripod/monopod/other support allows you to (say this is a landscape shot) use a smaller aperture to increase DoF meaning you need a longer shutter speed to get a correct exposure. You're stopping the lens "down" but lengthening the shutter speed. Make the lens smaller by a stop (say f/8 to f/11) and increase the shutter speed by a stop (say 1/50 to 1/25)...

[Cutter]

Originally Posted by chris-p

A stop is simply 1 EV. Doesn't matter if it's shutter speed, ISO or aperture size.

As each is dependant on the other, it's more of a case that a tripod/monopod/other support allows you to (say this is a landscape shot) use a smaller aperture to increase DoF meaning you need a longer shutter speed to get a correct exposure. You're stopping the lens "down" but lengthening the shutter speed. Make the lens smaller by a stop (say f/8 to f/11) and increase the shutter speed by a stop (say 1/50 to 1/25)...

Thanks chris thats realy helped, just needed to comfirm.

ps want to see you in the weekend comps!

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by Cutter

ps want to see you in the weekend comps!

I know, I just keep running out of time! I'm really busy at work at the moment, been working weekends a lot and the last time I got a weekend free I couldn't come up with anything to fit the theme!

Brain dead....