I recently bought a fast aperture lens which can be used only in manual mode. I bought this lens specifically for low light landscape photography.
However, that has got me thinking about how does focus set to infinity get impacted by wide open aperture (f/2.8) vs closed aperture (f/8 or f/11)?
In other words, if I am taking a landscape photo in low light conditions with infinity focus, is it better to take picture with
- open aperture, short shutter speed, acceptably high ISO (not grainy)
- closed aperture, long shutter speed, low ISO
Both approaches will use a tripod. It is my understanding that with focus set to infinity, everything from min. focussing distance should be in focus.
Is lens aperture a factor with focus set to infinity? Would you be able to get razor sharp photos with all apertures (f/2.8 - f/22) regardless? Or it depends on best performing aperture for the specific lens?
Does 2nd approach result in softer images because of long shutter speed? (thus 1st approach is better)?
I understand a very important factor is what is the landscape. But taking out that factor, which is better?