[stillshot2]

I would like to know what f stop intervals show up when using an f1.4 lens on the K30, such as does it jump from f1.4 to f2.0, or can you set it to have any values between these two? Thanks

[MadMathMind]

It depends on the lens, not the camera. Generally, though, most lenses do 1/3 stops, so you'd get 1.4, 1.7, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.8, etc. That's for electronically set f-stops, which is every lens past the A-series.

If you use a lens with an aperture ring, then you can technically set any f value you want. Old lenses will only have clicks (lock points) at the 1/2 stops (1.4 is a halfway, so it would go 1.4, 2.0, 2.4, 2.8), but you can set the dial inbetween--it's just a little bit unstable, so you'll have to be careful not to touch it. In fact, Nikon never put 1/2 click points on their lenses because they wanted photographers to be able to set any f their hearts desired.

When you use the aperture ring, you must shoot in M mode and do stop-down metering. This is true even for lenses with electrical contacts that convey the f number to the camera body.

[stillshot2]

Thanks, this will help me decide which f1.4 lens to get

[Kendigitize]

I have the the FA 50mm 1.4 and a K-30. The F stop intervals on mine are 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.5 etc. even though the first two stops on the lens are 1.4 & 2.

[stillshot2]

I am looking at an FA 50mm 1.4, but hear it is a little soft at f1.4; how does the sharpness improve as you stop down to f1.6, f1.8, and f2.0?

[Kendigitize]

I use it around f2 for most low light shots and it's sharp enough for me. The pirate was at f2 and the cyclists are at f2.8 and at f4 it's super sharp with a nice blur to the background like the roses.

[Tim A]

I am looking at an FA 50mm 1.4, but hear it is a little soft at f1.4; how does the sharpness improve as you stop down to f1.6, f1.8, and f2.0?

A lens hood helps with the sharpness at wider apertures.