The aperture and shutter speed setting depends on the amount of light and on the effect you want to achieve. For any given lighting situation there are many possible aperture/shutter speed settings that are all equally valid. However, the aperture also determines the depth of field, and the shutter speed can either freeze action or allow it to blur. Only you as the photographer can decide which of those valid exposure settings best conveys your vision.
As to how to determine the proper exposure, there are several possibilities. One is to use a light meter. If you don't have a separate light meter, you can use another lens and meter through it. It may not give you exactly the same field of view, but it should get you into the ballpark. Then there's the "sunny-16 rule." This says that under a bright sun, the proper exposure is f/16 with a shutter speed equivalent to 1 over the ISO. Of course this is just a starting point, and you can adjust the aperture/shutter speed to achieve the desired result.
I suggest you visit your local library. They should have introductory books on photography which will explain all this in depth.
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photos to dark
This is a manual focus lens, right? If so, it lacks the electronics to communicate with the camera, requiring you to use the manual exposure mode. Do you have the proper shutter speed and aperture set? What happens if you open up the aperture and/or use a slower shutter speed? What camera body do you have the lens on?
I have a Pentax k-1000 manual body.
3-8-2012. Response from John, Problem photos too dark!!!!! Answers to the questions you posted for me. Yes this is a manual focus lens. Where do I find a chart to show me what exposure mode, shutter speed and aperture setting, combination to use. Again I use the Tokina sz-x 845 80-200- mm F/4.5-5.6 in combination with my old Pentax k-1000 body. My main problem is lack of understanding on how to use the settings in combination together. thank-you for understanding and your very kind help. I guess everyone is beginner at one time, like me. Await help!!!!
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