The idea of hyperfocal distance is relatively simple. Basically, if a lens is focused at the hyperfocal distance, everything in the resulting photograph is in focus, from the foreground to the middle ground to the background.
This is a common technique used in most landscape photography.
You will need:
**NOTE: All photographs used in this tutorial were shot and retouched by myself
This is a common technique used in most landscape photography.
You will need:
- a camera that allows you to manually adjust settings
**NOTE: All photographs used in this tutorial were shot and retouched by myself
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Signing UpStep 1: Calculating Hyperfocal Distance
Some lenses come with a depth of field scale in them already, but for those that don't, the hyperfocal distance equation would come into play. The hyperfocal distance equation involves the focal length, f-stop and circle of confusion.
*The circle of confusion is just that: confusing. There is much debate over the "proper" circle of confusion among different cameras and lenses, listed on www.dofmaster.com, including a circle of confusion calculator, which you can view by clicking the link below.
http://www.dofmaster.com/digital_coc.html#coccalculator
Once the hyperfocal distance is calculated, the depth of field will extend from half the hyperfocal distance to infinity, making the whole image focused, producing a great depth of field.
The second image is a more visual example of the equation, and much easier to understand.
*The circle of confusion is just that: confusing. There is much debate over the "proper" circle of confusion among different cameras and lenses, listed on www.dofmaster.com, including a circle of confusion calculator, which you can view by clicking the link below.
http://www.dofmaster.com/digital_coc.html#coccalculator
Once the hyperfocal distance is calculated, the depth of field will extend from half the hyperfocal distance to infinity, making the whole image focused, producing a great depth of field.
The second image is a more visual example of the equation, and much easier to understand.
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You can get a very large depth of field setting the diaphragm at its minimum (largest number). This is valid when you have enough light to catch the photo, and there are not fast movements in the scene. The field depth is directly proportional to the distance of the main object, too. It is to say: if the object is near, the field depth will be littler than if it is far. Hence, you should set the focus (and the main object) not too near.