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How to Change Aperture on a Nikon D3400

The method for changing the aperture, or size of the opening to let the light in, varies according to the lens you're using. Here's how to do it with the lenses most commonly used on the Nikon D3400.

Nikon D3400 Aperture

Categories: Tips
Tags: Nikon, Nikon D3400 DSLR
Last updated about 11 months ago // Originally published about 11 months ago

If you’re wondering how to change the aperture on the Nikon D3400, there are several answers. That’s because it depends on the lens you’re using and the shooting mode you’re using. None of the methods is complicated, but there are some differences. So here’s a rundown of how to do it.

Aperture refers to the size of the opening that allows light in. So it’s actually something that refers to the lens rather than the camera—and on a DSLR like the D3400, that’s an important distinction. On older cameras, you would usually control the aperture by rotating a ring on the lens itself. But many modern lenses, including many that are most commonly used on the D3400, don’t have an aperture ring; instead, you control the aperture with one of the camera’s dials.

Compatible Lenses

But that’s not always true. There are still lenses that you can use on the D3400 that have their own aperture ring. If that’s the case, then you use that to adjust the aperture. It’s possible to use older F-mount Nikon lenses, or fully manual (i.e., not autofocus) ones for that matter that won’t allow the camera to control the aperture electronically. The way to change the aperture on those lenses will depend on the specific lens. By far the most common method is to use an aperture ring on the camera that rotates around the lens. You’d typically adjust that with your left hand as you support the camera and frame the shot. With most of those lenses, you won’t be able to see the aperture in the viewfinder or live view display; the lens can’t transmit the information to the camera, and the camera can’t instruct the lens to change the aperture.

What I’m referring to in this how-to guide are the lenses that are most commonly used with the Nikon D3400, lenses like the 18-55mm and 18-300mm. Or other lenses, such as Nikon’s G Lenses. Those lenses don’t include an aperture ring, so any aperture changes have to be done through the controls on the camera body.

Shooting Modes

First, though, it’s worth clarifying that you can’t change the aperture in all shooting modes. If you’re shooting in M (Manual) or A (Aperture Priority) you obviously can, because being able to change the aperture is a key element to making those modes work. If you’re shooting in S (Shutter Priority), you can’t, and adjusting the dial will change the shutter speed instead of the aperture. It also won’t work in P (Program) mode.

So the first thing to check is that you’re in a shooting mode that allows you to change the aperture. Then there’s a different method depending on whether you’re shooting in Aperture-Priority (A) mode or Manual (M) mode. In both of the methods I outline here, I’m assuming you’re using a lens that is compatible with the camera’s dials changing the aperture.

How to Change the Aperture on the Nikon D3400 in Aperture-Priority Mode

If you’re shooting in Aperture-Priority (A) mode, the dial to change the aperture on the Nikon D3400 is at the top of the back of the camera, on the right side as you’re shooting. Rotating the dial clockwise (i.e., right to left) will lower the aperture. Rotating it counter-clockwise will increase the aperture. If you’re shooting with Auto ISO turned on, both the ISO and shutter speed will automatically adjust to compensate.

Nikon D3400 Aperture

How to Change the Aperture on the Nikon D3400 in Manual Mode

The method to change the aperture in Manual mode is slightly different. If you try only turning the dial, as you would in A mode, you’ll find that it adjusts the shutter speed. But you use that same dial while holding down the +/- button on top at the same time. It’s the button next to the shutter button. If you look closely next to it, you’ll see a little icon that looks like the aperture blades of a lens.

Nikon D3400

FAQs

My lens says it is ƒ/3.5-5.6, but I can’t get it to do ƒ/3.5.

Some lenses, like Nikon’s 18-55mm and 70-300mm, have a range in the aperture area for its name. What that means is that the maximum aperture available depends on how much it is zoomed. On the 18-55, for example, at 18mm you can get the widest aperture of f3.5, but that’s not going to be available when you start zooming in. Fully zoomed in, the maximum aperture available will be ƒ/5.6.

Where to Buy a Nikon D3400 DSLR

The D3400 is an excellent camera for getting started with DSLR photography. But now that it has been replaced with a newer model, it will become increasingly hard to find in stores.

Some good places to look for new D3400s are Amazon and B&H Photo.

You can also find them used at major used camera gear sellers such as KEH (which is where I often buy when I'm looking for used gear).

Popular Lenses for the Nikon D3400

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished it shows limited or no wear
$240.00 −$31.00 $209.00
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR...
F mount lens/DX format. Picture angle with Nikon DX format 44 degree; 52.5 millimeter (35-millimeter equivalent). Rear focusing; Manual focus override
$196.95
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens
Focal length 50 millimeter, minimum focus distance 1.48 feet (0.45 meter); Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both fx and dx format d SLRS
$216.95

Nikon D3400 Batteries & Chargers

BESTON 2-Pack EN-EL14 / EN-EL14a Battery Packs and USB Fast Charger for...
$27.99
STK EN-EL14 EN-EL14a Battery for Nikon D3400 D5600 D3500 D3200 D3300 D5300...
TESTED INDEPENDENTLY FOR SAFETY - CE and RoHS Safety Certification.; HAVE A PROBLEM, LET US KNOW We take care of our customers just email us.
$14.99
FirstPower EN-EL14 EN-EL14a Battery 2-Pack and Dual USB Charger for Nikon...
$26.99

Popular Accessories for the Nikon D3400

All You Need Giant Accessory KIT for Nikon D3400 D3500 D5600
GIANT ALL YOU NEED 55MM ACCESSORY KIT FOR NIKON D3400 D3500 D5600; INCLUDES A WIDE ANGLE LENS, MACRO LENS 2.2X HIGH DEFINITION TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS, BACKPACK
$189.00
Nikon D3400 24.2 MP DSLR Camera + AF-P DX 18-55mm VR NIKKOR Lens Kit...
Includes all original accessories plus a 90 Day Manufacturer Warranty; Nikon D3400 24.2 MP DSLR Camera with AF-P DX 18-55mm VR Lens Kit
$549.00
USB Cable Compatible with Nikon DSLR D3400 Camera Only, Compatible with...
Important:fit for Nikon DSLR D3400 Only! Not Compatible with other Nikon Camara!; Important: Download function only. can Not charge camera!
$5.99
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on March 9, 2020

Categories: Tips
Tags: Nikon, Nikon D3400 DSLR

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News & Deals

With the holidays fast approaching, there’s some great deals on photography gear and services available. I’ve put together a roundup of Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2020 Photography Deals. It’s a running list as new deals are announced, so be sure to check back.

Canon announces new EOS Rebel T8i DSLR. Canon has announced their new T8i DSLR. 24MP APS-C cropped CMOS sensor, 4K24 video, and updated image processing and detection systems. It’s available for preorder from B&H Photo.

New Firmware for the Ricoh GR III. Ricoh has release firmware v1.31 for the GR III. Release notes are: “Corrected — When shooting with the multiple exposure, in rare cases the live view may not display correctly. Improved stability for general performance.” You can download it here.

New Canon 1D X Mark III Pro DSLR Announced. Canon has announced their new flagship model of pro DSLR, the 1D X Mark III. They’re sticking with a 20.1MP CMOS sensor, but it’s a new and improved version and boasts an incredible native ISO range of ISO 100 to ISO 102400 and an extended range that goes up to a jaw-dropping ISO 819200. With revamped autofocus, a new image processor, and all sorts of other bells and whistles, it’s no wonder that Canon is billing it as “The Ultimate EOS.”

New Manfrotto Pro Rugged Memory Cards. Manfrotto, an Italian probably best known for their tripods and studio accessories, has launched a new Pro Rugged range of high-end SD, microSD, and CompactFlash cards. While they don’t have a huge selection of sizes and speeds, the cards are aiming for very fast cards that can put up with rugged demands. For instance, they claim that their V90 rated SD cards can withstand three times the force (20kg / 45 lbs) of a regular SD card. I’ve ordered some to run through my speed tests.

New Sony Alpha a7 firmware released. A firmware update for the Sony a7R IV now lets you control external Sony flashes from the camera’s own menu system. Up to 15 flashes in five groups can be controlled via the camera. It also applies to the a7R III and a7 III.

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