Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

[DPNow]

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

If you don't know what 'hyperfocal distance' means, you probably should as it gives you more control over your photography. Don't be put off by this nasty-sounding piece of jargon, instead find out what it means and how you can use it to your advantage.

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[Stephen]

Re: Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

Good stuff Ian. There are some pretty cheap Apps for iPads, iPhones etc that calculate depth of field and hyper focal distance

[Ian]

Re: Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

Good stuff Ian. There are some pretty cheap Apps for iPads, iPhones etc that calculate depth of field and hyper focal distance

Thanks Stephen, my Android app was completely free

Ian

[mike_j]

Re: Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

Good stuff Ian, but is this right?

With the Olympus E-5, diffraction softening comes into play at apertures smaller than around f/8. On cameras with larger sensors the threshold aperture would be wider (a smaller f-number, like f/5.6, for example) and the reverse with cameras, especially compact cameras, with smaller sensors.

I thought diffraction softening came in above the threshold, eg f8 for 4/3 - f11 for APS etc?

[Ian]

Re: Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

Good stuff Ian, but is this right?

With the Olympus E-5, diffraction softening comes into play at apertures smaller than around f/8. On cameras with larger sensors the threshold aperture would be wider (a smaller f-number, like f/5.6, for example) and the reverse with cameras, especially compact cameras, with smaller sensors.

I thought diffraction softening came in above the threshold, eg f8 for 4/3 - f11 for APS etc?

You're right - I was in a bit of a rush yesterday and it's the wrong way around! I will fix this straight away.

Ian

[Ian]

Re: Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

You're right - I was in a bit of a rush yesterday and it's the wrong way around! I will fix this straight away.

Ian

The problem is trying to explain apertures - the f-number gets larger as the aperture gets smaller. Keeps you on your toes!

And of course f/8 on a plate camera is physically much larger than f/5.6 on a DSLR, just to make things even more confusing...

Ian

[rogleale]

Re: Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

It used to be so easy in the old days, when I were a lad!!
No calculation at all - just set the infinity mark on the focussing ring against the aperture number that you want to use - BINGO.
Not much use now when so many cameras are lacking the aperture markings.

Roger

[Ian]

Re: Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

It used to be so easy in the old days, when I were a lad!!
No calculation at all - just set the infinity mark on the focussing ring against the aperture number that you want to use - BINGO.
Not much use now when so many cameras are lacking the aperture markings.

Roger

Indeed, this is the kind of thing that digital cameras should and certainly are able to provide via the screen on the back of the camera. I can't, off the top of my head, think of a camera that does provide depth of field information on the screen but I think it can't be long before someone introduces it.

Ian

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Hyper-wot? Master depth of field to maximise focus

Excellent example and explanation of this very usefull technique. It was something we were taught to use to maximise the image quality, which is every bit as valid now as it ever was.

Many years ago I wrote an XL sheet that produces a table of Near/Far distances for different focus settings, based on the size of the lens and aperture used. It's no Ipad App but if anyone has the slightest interest in having a play, I will send them a copy...