Want Silky BOKEH? Get Closer!

Nikon D750, Micro‑Nikkor Macro 60mm f/2.8 D, ISO 12800, ƒ/5, 1/200

I am shooting wide open with the Micro‑Nikkor Macro 60mm f/2.8 D lens. Now since I am as close as the lens will let me focus, which gives me a 1:1 ratio the ƒ-number gets bigger due to the lens extending and actually getting further from the sensor.

Nikon D750, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 1800, ƒ/1.4, 1/200

This is as close as I can focus the Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art lens [11.81"] of the same Christmas ornament.

Nikon D750, Micro‑Nikkor Macro 60mm f/2.8 D, ISO 7200, ƒ/4.8, 1/200

Here is another Christmas ornament for comparison.

Nikon D750, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 900, ƒ/1.4, 1/200

Notice how much Charlie Brown's sister Sally is out of focus at ƒ/4.8 vs ƒ/1.4 in the two photos. The depth-of-field is even more shallow in the closer photo. This is because how close you are to the subject has as much impact on depth-of-field as your aperture.

Nikon D750, Micro‑Nikkor Macro 60mm f/2.8 D, ISO 12800, ƒ/4.8, 1/200

In this Citadel Christmas ornament you can see how super shallow depth-of-field is at ƒ/4.8 as compared to the photo with the Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 below.

Nikon D750, Sigma 35mm ƒ/1.4 DG Art, ISO 1250, ƒ/1.4, 1/200

Now just to let you see how your distance impacts the depth-of-field here I just backed up just a hair in the lower photo of the ornament with the Micro‑Nikkor Macro 60mm f/2.8 D.

Nikon D750, Micro‑Nikkor Macro 60mm f/2.8 D, ISO 9000, ƒ/4, 1/200

Since I backed up the aperture opened up a little, so you would think the depth-of-field would shrink but just the opposite happened. Again this is due to the distance to the subject.

You want silky smooth BOKEH? GET CLOSER!!!