setting hyperfocal distance

[cgennoe]

hey!

Popphoto.com just posted about setting the hyperfocal distance, but I need more info on this. Here is the post:

The hyperfocal distance is the focus setting that will give you the greatest depth of field (DOF) that still includes infinity.

Set your aperture and trigger DOF preview. Focus the lens manually to a near distance, and, while looking through the viewfinder, set the distance farther and farther until the most distant object comes just into focus. If the viewfinder image is too dark, cover the finder, cup your hands around the eyepiece, and wait for your eye to adjust.

What is the purpose in setting the hyperfocal distance? In a sense, how does it benefit the shooter, and in types of situations, or, for what style of photography is it an advantage to consider?
If you have a link to discussion or definition itself that would be great!

Thanks for reading!
Colin

 

[Steph]

What is the purpose in setting the hyperfocal distance? In a sense, how does it benefit the shooter, and in types of situations, or, for what style of photography is it an advantage to consider?

As the definition you posted says:

The hyperfocal distance is the focus setting that will give you the greatest depth of field (DOF) that still includes infinity.

This is particularly useful for landscape photography, if you want to have an object in the foreground in focus and still keep the rest of the landscape in focus.

 

[Sjixxxy]

Another benefit is that you don't have to do any focusing after your camera hits your eye since you know the subject will be in focus. One less thing to worry about if you are shooting in a situation that requires a fast response time, such as street photography.

 

[Dao]

Pretty much what Steph said.

Here is a link that explains it in a little more details with a graphics

Hyperfocal Distance

Be sure to check out the DoF calculator over there.

 

[Mike_E]

Hyperfocal usage is one of the reasons for having primes. It makes using a table (much easier and more accurate IMHO) a cinch. Just memorize or mark the lens with a dot of paint, set and be about you merry way.

Trying to memorize all the permutations for a zoom (even if you could accurately tell which focal length you are in) is Nuts! All you have to remember is how far the minium distance is and only shot things that are further away.

This is also another reason I like my Nikons so much. You can get an old manual focus wide angle lens (which are typically stellar lenses) for next to nothing and shoot all day at hyperfocal and never have to bother with focus unless you want some DoF for a particular shot and then right back to your spot and keep blasting away.