F-stops

[Muhfahsa]

Without getting too techical, is it better to have a wider range of F-stops of a smaller range (i.e. f/4 - 5.6 vrs f/3.8 - 5.6)?

[gasrocks]

In general, the more f/stops you have the more creative you can be. But, those numbers you mentioned look like the numbers listed on a zoom that is not constant (f/stop wise.) A zoom that is constant is better - example 70-200/4 vs. 70-200/4-5.6

[SkipD]

Without getting too techical, is it better to have a wider range of F-stops of a smaller range (i.e. f/4 - 5.6 vrs f/3.8 - 5.6)?The sets of numbers you are quoting appear to be the range of maximum apertures for a zoom lens. Each of those lenses probably can be stopped down to at least f22.

To better describe what I think you are seeing: Professional grade zooms - such as Canon's 24-70mm f2.8 - don't change the f-stop value over the zoom range of the lens. Less expensive lenses - the ones which have a spec like f4.0-5.6 - change the f-stop when you change the focal length (zoom).

The problem with lenses that change the f-stop with zooming is that when you make a significant zoom change, you will probably have to re-do the exposure setting. With fully automatic camera settings this usually isn't a terrible problem, but if you like working in manual mode it can be frustrating at times.

[tim]

What skip said - constant aperture is best, and the lower the number the better. Best go do a local photography class (evening class maybe) to pick up the basic concepts, I did one and it's a great foundation to build on.