Bokeh Simulator

Drag the sliders and watch background blur change in real time

Aperture f/2.8
Subject / BG gap 80% gap
Strong blur 12.0px equivalent
Aperture f/2.8
Focal length 85mm
Subject distance 2m
Background distance 10m

Current setup

Strong blur

f/2.8 · 85mm · subject 2m · background 10m

Need exact numbers?

For hyperfocal distance and circle-of-confusion math, use the Depth of Field calculator.

Three Levers for Background Blur

Each one independently controls depth of field

Aperture

Wider = blurrier

Open the iris. Each stop wider (f/4 to f/2.8 to f/2) roughly halves depth of field.

f/1.4–f/2 portraits f/2.8 events

Focal Length

Longer = blurrier

Telephoto lenses compress the scene and magnify out-of-focus areas. An 85mm at f/2 blurs more than a 35mm at the same f-stop.

85mm headshots 135mm compression

Distance

Closer = blurrier

Move closer to the subject and keep the background far away. Maximum separation at 1–2m subject distance with trees or buildings behind.

Subject close BG far

Which Settings for Which Shot

Starting points for common portrait scenarios

Scenario Aperture Lens Notes
Headshot / tight portrait Default f/1.8–f/2.8 85mm prime Focus on nearest eye. Background falls away at 2m+ subject distance.
Full-body portrait f/2.8–f/4 50–85mm More depth needed to keep feet sharp. Step back for compression.
Couple / two subjects f/4–f/5.6 50–85mm Both faces on same focal plane. Narrower aperture keeps both sharp.
Environmental portrait f/4–f/5.6 35–50mm Keep some context readable. Subject sharp, background softly defined.
Event / candid f/2–f/2.8 24–70mm f/2.8 Wide end for groups, tele end for isolation. AF-C + eye detect.
Product on table f/5.6–f/8 50–100mm macro Too wide blurs the front of the product. Stop down for full sharpness.
The rule

Wide aperture + long lens + close subject + distant background = maximum blur. Change any one lever and depth of field grows.

Getting Blur in the Field

Set up before you press the shutter

  1. Switch to Aperture Priority (A/Av)

    Dial the widest practical aperture. Start at f/2 for primes, f/2.8 for zooms.

    Mode: A/Av f/1.8–f/2.8 Auto ISO
  2. Pick the longest lens you have room for

    85mm or longer for headshots. 50mm minimum for half-body. Wider lenses need you closer and blur less.

  3. Position subject against a distant background

    Put 3m+ between subject and background. Trees, hedges, and city lights at distance make creamy bokeh.

  4. Focus on the nearest eye

    AF-S or single-point AF on the eye closest to camera. At f/1.4, depth of field can be millimeters.

    AF-S Eye AF Single point

Cheat Sheet

Quick answers for the field

Maximum blur? f/1.4–f/2, 85mm+, subject at 1–2m, background 10m+ away
Portrait starting point? f/2, 85mm, AF-S, eye focus
Background too sharp? Open aperture one stop, use longer lens, or move subject closer
Subject partly soft? Stop down to f/2.8–f/4 or align both eyes on same plane
Kit lens limit? 18–55mm at f/5.6 blurs little. Use 55mm end wide open, subject close
Group photo? f/5.6–f/8, all subjects same distance from camera
Bokeh shape? More aperture blades = rounder highlights. Fast primes render smoothest
Exact DOF math? Use the Depth of Field calculator at camerasettings.com/tools/depth-of-field/

Common Questions

Aperture, focal length, distance, and what phones can do.

What aperture blurs the background most?

The widest aperture your lens allows, such as f/1.4 to f/2.8. Each stop you close roughly doubles depth of field and softens background blur.

Does a longer lens blur the background more?

Yes. Telephoto lenses compress perspective and produce stronger background blur at the same f-stop. An 85mm at f/2 blurs more than a 35mm at f/2 from the same position.

How close should the subject be for background blur?

Closer is better. At 1–2m with a distant background you get maximum separation. Step back and depth of field grows, sharpening the background.

Can a phone blur the background like a DSLR?

Portrait mode simulates blur with software. Dedicated cameras achieve real optical blur with wide apertures and longer lenses. Phones work for casual portraits but lack the control and quality of a fast prime.

Keep Learning

Aperture control, focus technique, and exact DOF math