Hyperfocal Distance with Modern lens

hkwiles
Posted 06/11/2010 - 13:54 Link
Currently I have only the two kit lenses. Can anyone tell me how to use the Distance scale so as to focus on the HFL and would this then ensure maximum depth of field ?

Howard
Body: K7 of course !!
Lenses: DA18-55WR,DA50-200WR,FA50-1.4
johnriley
Posted 06/11/2010 - 14:15 Link
The simplest way is to use the rule of thumb. Using a small aperture such as f16 or f22 focus one third of the way into the scene. For all practical puposes, that will maximise your depth of field.
Best regards, John
gartmore
Posted 06/11/2010 - 14:16 Link
Its a bit tricky with zooms if not to say impossible since the hyperfocal distance changes with both focal length and aperture.

Generally its only of real value with wide angles and Pentax used to mark the index, f8 and the hyperfocal distance in red; line them up and almost no need to focus.
Ken
“We must avoid however, snapping away, shooting quickly and without thought, overloading ourselves with unnecessary images that clutter our memory and diminish the clarity of the whole.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson -
hkwiles
Posted 06/11/2010 - 14:31 Link
johnriley wrote:
The simplest way is to use the rule of thumb. Using a small aperture such as f16 or f22 focus one third of the way into the scene. For all practical puposes, that will maximise your depth of field.
I am aware of this one John, does this mean a third up the frame ? or guestimating a third of the way from me infinity lol.

Howard
Body: K7 of course !!
Lenses: DA18-55WR,DA50-200WR,FA50-1.4
Anvh
Posted 06/11/2010 - 14:38 Link
hkwiles wrote:
I am aware of this one John, does this mean a third up the frame ? or guestimating a third of the way from me infinity lol.
The first one.
DOF extend further to the back then to the front.
Stefan
Comment Image

K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
johnriley
Posted 06/11/2010 - 14:45 Link
It means focusing on a point that is one third of the way in from the nearest point that you want sharp. DOF extends one third in front and two thirds behind that point. Thgis is actual distance on the ground I am referring to. Just point the camera and lock the focus on the relevant point, recompose and shoot.
Best regards, John
grahamwalton
Posted 06/11/2010 - 16:28 Link
Have a look at this web site for good information and a calculator. http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
Friendly Regards
Graham
simonkit
Posted 06/11/2010 - 18:42 Link
Here's another excellent site with info, you can also download the free software and print out a set of DOF charts, I carry mine with me at all times and do refer to them occasionally - 95% of the time though I use the technique explained by John & it works well

http://www.dofmaster.com/hyperfocal.html


Simon
Blythman
Posted 06/11/2010 - 19:19 Link
I've just changed to an android phone and have a calculator installed on it http://www.appbrain.com/app/cn.kamakama.android.dof

Before this I had another on my windows mobile phone, although I can't recall the name. Very useful tools
Alan


PPG
Flickr
Aero
Posted 06/11/2010 - 22:43 Link
Blythman wrote:
Before this I had another on my windows mobile phone, although I can't recall the name. Very useful tools
There's one for Windows Mobile devices Here. Works fine, although I haven't used it as much as I thought I would. Worth having in the armoury, though.

Al

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