How does a larger f-stop affect the aperture of a camera?

A larger f-stop number corresponds to a smaller aperture opening in a camera lens. This is because f-stop (or f-number) is defined as the ratio of the lens's focal length to the diameter of the aperture. When the f-stop number rises, this ratio indicates a smaller aperture, leading to a reduced size of the opening through which light enters the camera.

As a result, with a larger f-stop, less light is allowed to pass through the aperture, impacting the exposure of the image. Lower f-stop numbers permit a larger aperture and more light, enhancing sensitivity in lower-light contexts. In contrast, higher f-stop values allow for greater depth of field, which is beneficial in scenarios where sharp focus across different distances is required. Thus, the correct understanding of how f-stop numbers relate to aperture size is crucial for effectively using camera settings for desired photographic outcomes.