Hello all.

I am new to the world of DSLR and I just purchased a D3000 to start me off. I am currently trying to learn the different functions on the camera and am currently stumped on a problem.

I set my camera to Aperture Priority (A) on the dial and when I try to adjust the aperture setting at the back of the camera (command dial) it does not go below 5. Sometimes it drops to 4.5. I have seen others posting how you can set it at 2 but I can't seem to find a way to do that. Can anyone help?

Hi

You didn't tell us which lens that you have, but I would suspect that it is probably the 18-55mm f:3.5 to f:5.6. If this is so, the largest aperture (lowest number) is 3.5 and since it is a variable aperture, you will only be able to get it to 3.5 at the widest zoom angle, being 18mm. As you zoom toward 55mm, you eventually will be limited to 5.6.

Different lenses have different maximum apertures, and some have constant maximum apertures throughout the zoom range, and fixed focal length lenses (primes) like the 50mm f:1.4. can always be used at the maximum aperture.

jP

Hi Jim,

Welcome to Nikonians!
JP provided excellent advise above. The Maximum Aperture (smallest f/#) that can be set in the camera depends on the Maximum Aperture of the lens that you have mounted on the camera.
If you have a variable aperture zoom, like all of the kit zooms, the maximum aperture is only available when the zoom is set to it's widest setting (smallest focal length in mm).

For example try this: Set the zoom ring to the widest setting (18mm on the 18-55mm, 55mm on the 55-200mm). In Aperture priority mode set the Aperture wide open (f/3.5 on the 18-55mm, and f/4 on the 55-200mm).
Watch the Aperture (f/#) displayed in the viewfinder as you turn the zoom ring increasing the focal length. You will see the Aperture decrease (f/# increase) the more you zoom. Until you reach the maximum focal length of the lens where the aperture will be f/5.6.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty