Hyperfocal Distance Setting

[sunny_sony]

Hi All,

My lenses don't have distance scale so I don't know how to set my lens to hyper focal distance to get maximum depth of field.

Do I need to measure a distance which is approx nearest to the hyper focal distance and then set my camera focus to that point?

Is there any better way to do this?


Thanks,
Raj

 

[The_Traveler]

dofmaster.com
yes
no

 

[sunny_sony]

Hi,

I have DOF master installed on my iPhone already. My question was when I know hyper focal distance is suppose 10 feet and my camera needs to focus at 10 feet then how can I calculate 10 feet distance and set my focus. my camera lenses don't have any focus distance scale which I can use to set my focus at 10 feet.

 

[Derrel]

Hi,

I have DOF master installed on my iPhone already. My question was when I know hyper focal distance is suppose 10 feet and my camera needs to focus at 10 feet then how can I calculate 10 feet distance and set my focus. my camera lenses don't have any focus distance scale which I can use to set my focus at 10 feet.

You can use a steel tape measure to measure the 10 foot distance, then FOCUS the camera on an object measured to be 10 feet away. Then, you will be focused at 10 feet.

 

[sunny_sony]

Hi Derrel, Thanks for the info and that's what I assumed. But this is not convenient when I go out for shooting so wanted to know if there is any easy way to get this done. Or it's advisible to buy lens with distance scale on it?

 

[Derrel]

If you'd like, you can take a piece of tape, or a decal, and affix it to the lens, and make your own focusing scale markings! Mark it with a Sharpie fine-point marker. Or other waterproof pen. Many lenses today do NOT have any kind of distance scales...if you want to have a hyperfocal distance marked out, you'll need to do it yourself.

 

[jake337]

Find at what point you should measure from(lens?,sensor?) and physically measure it. Possible use some kind of laser rangefinder.

 

[sunny_sony]

I actually like to shoot the landscapes so like to have the maximum depth of field. That's why I am trying to get the hyper focal distance technique right which can provide me the maximum depth of field. Another way I think is to focus at 1/3 of the frame to get the hyperfocal distance and maximum depth of field but I find sometimes very difficult to measue 1/3 of the frame and where to focus. which technique u recommend is the best way to achieve maximum DOF?

 

[KmH]

There is only one best way to get max DOF - hyperfocus.

 

[Drake]

Calculate the hyperfocal, estimate how far could it be and then use AF to focus a bit further. You can use your tripod for reference if you happen to have if with you and you know it's length. No reason to be so precise, one or two inches won't make a difference if you focus a little bit further.

 

[usayit]

There's no button to set the camera to hyperfocus in these modern cameras??

 

[pgriz]

Prime lenses for SLR's usually have both the distance scales and the DOF markers engraved on the barrel of the lens. Zooms for SLR's usually have only the distance scale. Lenses for P&S have neither. So to use the technique, it helps to have the right tools. Sure, you can use the technique with almost any kind of camera and lens if they allow you to set the f/stop and the focus point, but it becomes hard work if your equipment doesn't allow you to do this in a straight-forward manner.

 

[jake337]

I think derrel had the best answer. Set it up at your house. Use a tape measure and focus to the hyperfocal distance for the lens you want. next make a marking on your lens so you don't have to measure in the field.

 

[sunny_sony]

Thanks all for all your suggestions. Really appreciate..