Which exposure setting will provide the largest depth of field?

The largest depth of field is achieved with smaller apertures. Depth of field refers to the range of distance within a scene that appears acceptably sharp in an image. Smaller f-stop numbers denote larger apertures, while larger f-stop numbers indicate smaller apertures.

In this question, options are evaluated based on their f-stop values. The correct answer features F/22, which is a smaller aperture compared to the other choices, meaning it will produce a greater depth of field. A smaller aperture allows more of the scene to be in focus, particularly in landscapes or situations where you want both the foreground and background to be sharp.

While F/32 also offers a small aperture and can contribute to a large depth of field, it may introduce diffraction, which can reduce the overall sharpness of the image at extreme f-stops. Therefore, even though F/22 is not the smallest aperture available, it strikes a balance by providing a substantial depth of field while mitigating the risk of diffraction effects that occur at F/32.

In summary, F/22 provides the ideal option for maximizing depth of field in this context, allowing for a wide range of distances within the frame to remain in focus without complications posed by extreme apertures.