Depth of Field at Different F-stops

Here is a set of comparison photos of the same macro subject taken at different f-stops. Each of these photos have photographic and artistic merit. It is a matter of personal opinion as to which image is best.

The cucumber vine and leaf were about 10 inches from the camera. The background leaves were 1 to 1.5 feet behind the subject.

All of the photos were taken at the same time using a Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro lens on a Canon 30D camera, using a tripod and remote.

1/1600 sec.   f/2.8  ISO 400


1/640 sec.   f/4.5  ISO 400

1/320 sec.   f/6.3  ISO 400

1/200 sec.   f/8  ISO 400

1/100 sec.   f/11  ISO 400

1/30 sec.   f/22  ISO 400