What is an effective way to mitigate diffraction effects in photography?

An effective way to mitigate diffraction effects in photography is to open up at least two stops from the smallest aperture. When using a very small aperture, such as f/16 or f/22, light passing through the lens can diffract, causing a loss of sharpness and detail. Diffraction is a phenomenon where light waves spread out after passing through a small opening, leading to a softer image. By opening the aperture by at least two stops (such as going from f/16 to f/8), the light can pass through more freely, reducing the effects of diffraction and increasing overall image sharpness.

This approach allows for better control over depth of field and helps maintain the clarity of fine details in the subject. While adjusting ISO, shutter speed, or changing lenses can affect exposure and image quality, they do not directly address the issues caused by diffraction, making the choice of adjusting the aperture the most effective and relevant solution for this particular problem.