Landscape, DOF, Hyperfoal Distance, AF )+:

[Jerry]

Gotta ask what you focus on with an AF lens, that has no "DOF Scale" and next to no Distance markings?? to get as much as possible in focus? I've googled and read and searched here ( Seems Kevin had the same concerns )

Can get a DOF chart, but if there are poor markings on the AF lens, what do you do?? Get a measuring Laser, check the chart, focus at the required distance after measuring with the laser as to distance?

I just ordered the EF-D grid focus screen and am determined to expand my photographic horizons ;) But this whole Hyperfocal distance thing has got my mind in a whirl!!
Can someone give me a step by step general quideline on how to approach getting as much of a scene as possible in sharp focus please? Is there some special work around for the new zoom lenses with no way of setting Hyperfocal because of the lack of the scales/markings on the lense? I have a Sig 17-70 and a Canon 28-105 ( the lower F-stop one) that I thought I could start cutting my teeth on Landscape learning, but am a wee bit confused LOl

[Bobby]

I share your concers in this area Jerry. In the day hyper focal was easy as all lenses were marked. I think the only way to figure it out today is experimentation. Rack the lens out to infinity and then back it off. Take a series of images noting where the lens was on the shots. Check the results to find out which shot gives you your desired result.

[Jerry]

I share your concers in this area Jerry. In the day hyper focal was easy as all lenses were marked. I think the only way to figure it out today is experimentation. Rack the lens out to infinity and then back it off. Take a series of images noting where the lens was on the shots. Check the results to find out which shot gives you your desired result.
Thanks Bobby, think I'm going to paste this in the Landscape forum and see what I get!!

[E.B. West]

I see that you searched the internet and you said you had found some charts. The charts are the best way to go, particularly with w wide angle lens. Years ago, somebody told me that, when in doubt, stop down as far as you can and focus 1/3 of the way into the scene.

[Jerry]

I see that you searched the internet and you said you had found some charts. The charts are the best way to go, particularly with w wide angle lens. Years ago, somebody told me that, when in doubt, stop down as far as you can and focus 1/3 of the way into the scene.
Thanks E.B. That's what one of my books says too! The problem with the charts is the distance scales on most newer AF lenses don't have alot of distance markings, but I guess if I was good a judging distances, or get a laser measuring thingy, I could then focus the AF point at the ground even, at the required distance, then recompose!
I'l start with the 1/3 and F 11-16 rule of thumb and see how that goes !

[Rudi]

Thanks E.B. That's what one of my books says too! The problem with the charts is the distance scales on most newer AF lenses don't have alot of distance markings, but I guess if I was good a judging distances, or get a laser measuring thingy, I could then focus the AF point at the ground even, at the required distance, then recompose!

Exactly what I do, and it hasn't let me down yet! In fact, I even do it with lenses with distance markings on them, because it's faster and easier... :)

[Jerry]

Exactly what I do, and it hasn't let me down yet! In fact, I even do it with lenses with distance markings on them, because it's faster and easier... :)
Thanks Rudi, guess that's the way I'll start trying and learning with! Faster and easier always works for me LoL

[Kevin]

I do what EB suggests. Haven't encountered any problems. Of course the wider you go, the more latitude you've got for everything being in focus. I also try to avoid having anything essential in the immediate foreground.

[Jerry]

I do what EB suggests. Haven't encountered any problems. Of course the wider you go, the more latitude you've got for everything being in focus. I also try to avoid having anything essential in the immediate foreground.
Will be trying it out real soon!! Will post some results Thanks Guys

[Rob]

Jerry. Bit late but don't know if these will help
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html
http://www.dofmaster.com/charts.html

[Paul S]

I hate seeing that 1/3 suggestion! It is a MYTH that 1/3 of the DOF is in front of the point of focus and 2/3 is behind.

That rule is only true if your point of focus is at 1/3 of the hyperfocal distance. As you move the point of focus closer to the camera, the ratio approaches 1/2 of the DOF in front and 1/2 behind.

Furthermore, if you're trying to focus at the hyperfocal distance, you want everything to infinity to be in focus, and how do you focus at 1/3 of infinity?

I have an article on DOF over at NSN, and a followup looking at this issue among others, coming out in the next day or two, I hope.

-Paul