Sometimes you will hear photographers mention something called a “faster” lens. I own one of these “faster” lenses.

A faster lens will change your life. OK, it might not change your life, but it will sure change your photos.

The lens I have is the Canon 50mm f/1.8. They also make a 50mm f/1.4, but I am cheap frugal. For my purposes, the f/1.8 suits me just fine.

If you have no idea what I am talking about, or what those numbers mean, stay with me.

I will explain myself! With photos!

Do you remember my post explaining aperture? No? Me neither. Why don’t I copy the part that is relevant to today’s post?

Smaller f-stop numbers mean that the lens has a larger opening and that more light hits the sensor. Because THAT MAKES NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.

Larger f-stop numbers means that the lens has a smaller opening and that less light hits the sensor. Because THAT ALSO MAKES NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.

Basically…the lower the f-stop number you use, the larger the opening and the more light that hits your sensor.

More light = FASTER LENS.

The standard 18-55mm lens that came with my camera had f/3.5 as the lowest f-stop number.

The difference between f/3.5 and f/1.8 is pretty phenomenal.