
In the world of photography, mastering depth of field is crucial to creating visually stunning images, whether it’s capturing the grandeur of a landscape or the
intricate details of a portrait. The choice of lens can greatly affect the depth of field, influencing how sharply the subject stands out from the background. This is
pivotal in a variety of photography genres, from depth of field in landscape photography, where every detail from the foreground to the horizon can be in crisp
focus, to depth of field in portraits, where a softer background can make the subject pop. Understanding depth of field techniques and tips is essential for
photographers aiming to elevate the aesthetic quality of their work.
This article guides both amateur and professional photographers through a selection of top SLR camera lenses known for their outstanding capability to control
depth of field. Exploring lenses from iconic brands such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, and Tamron, this roundup includes options that cater to a wide range of
styles and requirements. From the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM’s exceptional performance in low light conditions to the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC
USD’s precision in macro photography, each lens has been chosen for its unique attributes that contribute to achieving the desired depth of field in various
contexts. Through detailed exploration of these lenses, readers will gain insight into how selecting the right equipment can greatly enhance the depth of field,
consequently improving the overall impact of their photographic compositions.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering improved features and performance while maintaining an affordable price
point.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Features
This lens boasts a refreshed design with an optimized lens placement, resulting in better overall image quality. One notable enhancement is the inclusion of an STM (Stepping Motor) for smooth and quiet autofocus operation, making it an excellent choice for video recording. [8] Additionally, the lens features a metal mount, contributing to its durability and build quality. [8]
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Image Quality
While Canon has not made significant claims regarding optical improvements, users have reported a slight bump in resolution, particularly in the center of the
frame, along with better contrast compared to the previous model. [7] However, it’s important to note that the lens may exhibit some softness towards the edges when shot wide open at f/1.8. To achieve maximum sharpness, it’s recommended to compose the subject in the center of the frame or stop down to apertures like f/2.2 or f/2.8.
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Pricing
One of the most attractive aspects of this lens is its affordability. Priced at around $125, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM offers exceptional value for its capabilities.
[8] The low aperture of f/1.8 allows for shooting in low-light conditions and creates a pleasing background blur, elevating the overall quality of images compared to kit lenses.
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is an excellent choice for photographers seeking an affordable prime lens that delivers impressive performance, particularly in terms of depth of field control and low-light shooting capabilities.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is a fast, single-focal-length lens with a normal 50mm focal length and a large maximum aperture of f/1.8. [11] It features a
newly developed optical system employing an aspherical lens element, which helps reduce coma and chromatic aberrations. [11]
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Features
This lens incorporates a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that realizes quiet autofocus operation, making it suitable for video recording. [11] It offers two focus modes: M/A (quick switching from autofocus to manual focus) and M (manual focus). [11] Other key specifications include a focal length of 50mm, a maximum aperture of f/1.8, a minimum aperture of f/16, and a lens construction of 7 elements in 6 groups (with one aspherical lens element). [11] It has an angle of view of 47° (31°30′ with Nikon DX format) and a minimum focus distance of 0.45 m/1.48 ft. [11] The lens features 7 rounded diaphragm blades, a filter-attachment size of 58mm, and dimensions of approximately 72 x 52.5 mm/2.8 x 2.1 in. [11] It weighs approximately 185 g/6.6 oz. [11]
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Image Quality
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is known for its good build quality, with a weather-sealing gasket between the mounting plate and the lens body. [13] While
the barrel is made of plastic, the mounting plate is metal, contributing to its durability. [13] The lens exhibits sharpness that is already very good wide open at f/1.8
in the center, although it is a little softer in the inner and outer circle areas. [13] The contrast could be slightly better when shot wide open. [13] At f/2.8, there is a noticeable improvement in sharpness and contrast across the frame, and the lens reaches its peak performance at f/5.6. [13]
On APS-C sensors, the sharpness in the center and midframe is very good at f/1.8, with excellent resolving power and detail. [13] The corners start a little weaker but are still good. [13] At f/2.8, the sharpness in the center and midframe improves further, and the corners become very good, with an overall boost in contrast.
From f/4 to f/11, the sharpness in the center and midframe is excellent, and the corner sharpness continues to improve with each stop, reaching very good
levels at f/5.6 through f/11. [13] At f/16, there is a slight decrease in sharpness due to diffraction. [13]
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Pricing
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is known for its affordability, with a price tag of around $100, making it an excellent value-for-money option. [13] Despite its
low cost, it offers impressive performance, particularly in terms of depth of field control and low-light shooting capabilities, thanks to its large maximum aperture
of f/1.8.
Conclusions
Throughout this exploration of SLRC lenses renowned for their depth of field capability, we have ventured through a range of distinguished selections from
industry giants like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Sigma, and Tamron. Each lens, with its unique blend of features such as low-light excellence, macro precision, and bokeh
quality, empowers photographers to enhance the aesthetic quality of their work, regardless of the genre they specialize in. The careful consideration of lenses,
from the affordable Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM to the macro marvel of the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD, underscores the pivotal role of choosing
the right equipment in achieving the desired photographic outcomes.