best picture as possible with f/22

[ClarenceW]

the question is simple, how do I get a good quality picture with cheaper equipment. I've tried the hyperfocal distance chart but it doesn't seem to do the trick. are there any other ways?

 

[Digital Matt]

Don't shoot at f/22. Lenses are not at their best when wide open, or all the way stopped down. Cheap lenses are worse obviously. What are you trying to shoot that you need all that depth of field for? If you are shooting a landscape with a wide angle lens for instance, using the hyperfocal distance and an aperture of f/8-f/11 should be fine, and you'll maximize the sharpness of the lens.

 

[cosmonaut]

I 'm not sure charts are that accurate since all lenses are slightly different, try focusing a third of the way into the shot. Some older lenes have the markings for hyperfocal built into it. Digital Matt is right, f/8 an f/11 that's the sweet spot of most lenses. Try this guys site out. He explains it pretty good.
Cosmo

http://www.barbeephoto.com/articles/hyperfocal/hyperfocal.htm

 

[davis10]

here is a download for a program to create individual hyperfocal charts for your lenses.

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

I don't fully understand it though, Im not sure what circle of confusion diameter to use for a APS-C sensor and for the focal length do I enter the actual focal length or the 35mm equivalent focal length?

 

[Garbz]

Hyperfocal is probably best used if youwant the absolute maximum depth of field for a given picture. Say a sunset where you want the rocks just infront of the camera also in focus. In that case I would focus to a couple of metres infront of me and set the aperature very small, f22 or something. If you are after the sharpest possible picture, pick an aperature 2 or 3 stops from wide open, so f8 for an f4 lens, focus right on the subject, and try and keep the shutter speed high to eliminate all motion.