10stop

10stop is a term that refers to a specific setting or configuration within certain photographic and videographic equipment, particularly related to aperture control. The number 10 in 10stop indicates a significant reduction in the amount of light entering the lens. This is achieved through the use of a neutral density filter, often a very strong one. A neutral density filter absorbs a portion of the light spectrum equally, meaning it does not alter the color balance of the image. A 10-stop filter reduces the light by a factor of 1000 (2^10).

This level of light reduction is typically employed in bright shooting conditions where a photographer or videographer wants to achieve a wider aperture for shallow depth of field or a slower shutter speed for motion blur. For instance, shooting with a wide aperture like f/2.8 during midday sun would result in an overexposed image without significant light reduction. A 10-stop filter allows for the use of that wide aperture even in very bright light. Similarly, to create smooth water or cloud movement in daylight, a slower shutter speed is required. Without a strong neutral density filter like a 10-stop, achieving such slow shutter speeds in bright conditions would be impossible. Therefore, 10stop is a tool for creative control over exposure and motion in photography and videography.