Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

I think it is true for many cameras that you set the f/stop with the camera, the focal length with the ring on the lens itself. So no, the camera has no f/stops, but it is the tool that sets the f/stop on the lens.

The max f/stop is for the entire range of focal lengths for that lens. So an f/stop of 4.5 is entirely possible, everything between f/4 and f/22 (not to f/32).
Many lenses do not have the same f/stop through the range, for example I have a 70-300mm lens that is labeled 1:4-5.6 - meaning that at the "short" end the max aperture is f/4 and at the "long" end the max aperture is f/5.6, but I can also choose all the apertures between that and the minimum one (which I need to look up but think it is also 22mm).

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I apologize. I misunderstood your question. My mistake.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Given he paid 1/2 to 1/3 of what the going rate would be for this lens used, maybe there is a problem ...

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

I meant to say f22 not f32 my bad.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Its ok I too answer wrongly sometimes. We are human!

Morning Star Loc: West coast, North of the 49th N.

Thank God for that!!! :)

David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL

You folks seem to be talking to yourselves because the OP has never come back with what was done or that the problem has been resolved.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Yep this does happen quite often!

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

What exposure mode were you using with the camera?

If set to Av or M, you need to adjust the aperture yourself. I suspect you have one of these selected with the mode dial and somehow set the lens to f4.5. In Av (aperture priority) mode you use the main dial on the top of the camera (right behind the shutter release button) to change the aperture.

In M (manual) mode, it depends upon the particular camera model how you change the aperture setting. The Rebel/xxxD/xxxxD series models use the dial on top, but you may need to press another button first (that switches the function of the top dial back and forth between controlling the aperture or the shutter speed). With xxD and xD series models in M you use the rear dial or button array to change the settings. With some of these the functions can be reversed by the user.

As a simple test, you could change the camera's exposure mode to Tv, P or even one of the more highly automated exposure modes ("Green Box", A+ or SCN modes). In all these cases, different lighting conditions should result in different apertures being used automatically.

FYI: If some of the other responses are confusing, Canon EF and EF-S lenses do not have an aperture control ring. The aperture is controlled by a dial on the camera itself, via electronic communication with the lens. (Some other camera manufacturers still use rings on the lens itself to control aperture.)

It is possible that the lens aperture is "stuck" for some reason. Check that the electronic contacts on the rear of the lens are clean. Might need to wipe them with a clean, lint free rag, lightly dampened with a few drops of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. This should remove oils and other possible contaminants, that might be interrupting communication between the camera and lens.

Also check the corresponding pins just inside the front of the camera body, that are spring loaded to insure a good connection. Lightly press them and see that they spring back well, don't "get stuck". Just be careful to keep off the lens optics and mirror inside the camera. And don't use anything abrasive on either the contacts or pins. They are gold plated to prevent oxidization, and you don't want to damage that plating.

The aperture also could be "stuck" due to a failed internal connection, or bad motor that drives the aperture, or some other things. These don't happen often, but occasionally do, so it's a possibility that the lens has an issue. If you can't get the aperture to vary by dialing it to different settings in M or Av (aperture priority) modes.... or to vary automatically in Tv or P modes, or any of the more highly automated settings... and have tried cleaning the contacts, then you should have the lens looked at by a professional repair tech (or try to return it, if you just bought it).

But, again, a failure is a pretty rare occurrence. Most likely, you just have the aperture set wrong.

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

Do I have It wrong

yes

imagesintime Loc: small town, mid-America

Yes.

edit. Sorry mudshark, I didn't read all the responses before answering. My bad.

baygolf Loc: DMV

My Bad. It was operator problem. All shots were taken in AV mode and it was set at 4.5. Thanks all for your comments and help.