Infinity focus Q

AndyGoss · Nov 2, 2011

Could someone please tell how to focus the canon 18-55mm kit lens at infinity?

With fireworks coming up i would like to try see if ican get something worthy. I also read somewhere about mirror lock up? could some kind person explain this to me please?

Thanks in advance
Andy

Edsport · Nov 3, 2011

Focusing the lens at infinity is just the opposite of focusing at something very close, just move the focus ring in the opposite direction to get infinity. I wouldn't suggest going that far though. The best thing is to set the lens to manualy focus and focus on an object about the same distance that the fireworks will be and then wait for the fireworks to begin. Mirror lockup should be explained in your manual. Set it in the menu then you have to press the shutter button twice to take a picture, once to lock up the mirror and wait for a couple seconds for the vibration to settle then press the button again to take the photo but if you don't have a remote to do this and you have to use the button on the camera then i wouldn't suggest using mirror lock up. Also for fireworks you should use bulb mode. Google "how to photograph fireworks" and you should get some good info...

AndyGoss · Nov 3, 2011

Thanks for that info mate appreciate it.

Garbz · Nov 3, 2011

Autofocus on the first firework when it goes off, and then flick your focus to manual and keep it there

Or just autofocus on a light or the moon or something else far away.

AndyGoss · Nov 3, 2011

Garbz said:
Autofocus on the first firework when it goes off, and then flick your focus to manual and keep it there Or just autofocus on a light or the moon or something else far away.

Wouldn't have even thought to do it that way!!! Awesome, thanks!

cgipson1 · Nov 3, 2011

Depending on the distance to the fireworks.. use your hyperfocal calculations to set the focus. This will give you the widest range of sharp focus that your lens is capable of. You can get the hyperfocal distance for your lens here:

Online Depth of Field Calculator

Probably would want to shoot at around F8 to F11.. most lenses are sharpest there....