Hyperfocal Distance and DX Lenses (slightly OT)

-- Can anyone offer a reasonably simple method of attaining hyperfocal settings on DX lenses. Does not have to be scientific just want to get greatest DOF using WA lens. Thanks. Bob
Open my eyes lord that I might see wonderous things. Psalms 118:19
Visit my gallery: http://northland.smugmug.com

This might help.

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

Tim

Robert Spencer said:

-- Can anyone offer a reasonably simple method of attaining
hyperfocal settings on DX lenses. Does not have to be scientific
just want to get greatest DOF using WA lens. Thanks. Bob
Open my eyes lord that I might see wonderous things. Psalms 118:19
Visit my gallery: http://northland.smugmug.com

Click to expand...

-- Thanks Tim . That might help. Thom Hogan suggest that he often sets his focus at about one third of the way into the scene. Have you ever tried that method? Cheers. Bob
Open my eyes lord that I might see wonderous things. Psalms 118:19
Visit my gallery: http://northland.smugmug.com

TimT said:

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

Tim

Robert Spencer said:

-- Can anyone offer a reasonably simple method of attaining
hyperfocal settings on DX lenses. Does not have to be scientific
just want to get greatest DOF using WA lens. Thanks. Bob
Open my eyes lord that I might see wonderous things. Psalms 118:19
Visit my gallery: http://northland.smugmug.com

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

--
Martín Miguel Crespo
http://www.ISO1600.com
http://www.MartinCrespo.net

Hi Tim! great link txs!
Kind regards
--
Se

For my Sigma 12-24, I just use a tripod, go with f/8 or smaller, point in the general direction and shoot. Most everything from 18 inches to infinity will be properly focused.







With a cropped sensor (S2 and all others) DOF is not a problem unless you want it shallow. If you're 24mm or wider you will have pretty much the whole universe in focus unless you use minimum focus on the lens wide open, and even then....

Robert

--Robert thanks for answering. I am talking about the 12-24 Tokina. Are you using manual focus or auto? I get very sharp images but not always. Probably using the small aperature without mounting on tripod is the reason for inconsistant results. I much admire your photography. All three images you posted are beautiful. Where is the forest scene taken (Olympic National Forest?). I know its not San Diego or Southern California. My guess is that it is not even N. Calif. PS I sold the San Diego Union from the corner of 30th and Market in 1954 for a nickle apiece to give a clue as to my age. Thanks again. Bob
Open my eyes lord that I might see wonderous things. Psalms 118:19
Visit my gallery: http://northland.smugmug.com

Hey, I was living in San Diego in '54 the first time (moved back in '58 til '67 and then back in '90 til now) but I wasn't old enough to be selling anything.

I like manual focus myself with rare exceptions. I have the Sigma 12-24 EX. Nice lens that's free of distortion or CA. Not my sharpest but with details that small sharpness is not always the biggest concern.

I ALWAYS use a tripod for the best results. I like small apertures and slow shutter whenever possible. DOF isn't even a slight concern ever. I like how it seems as if you are there in the scene with that type of DOF.

Now, forget hyperfocal and grab that tripod, unless it just isn't practical.

Robert

Forgot to mention that. This was taken during a trip to Vancouver Island last June. While driving from Victoria to Euclulet we passed this grove of giant Douglas Firs. The place has a name but I fail to recall it just now. Lovely spot along the road, my luck was good and it was raining!

I'm serious, I love to photograph in the rain. Better colors and even lighting. I cursed under my breath when the sun peeked out now and then and had to wait for the clouds to move back so I could shoot more. I have an umbrella that sets in a bracket that's attached to my tripod, so I can shoot away while everyone else runs for cover.

Yes, I'll take rain anytime nature shots are on the menu.

Robert

That would be the town of Ucluelet! Don't know where that first E came from. Keyboard has a mind of it's own.

Robert

--Robert thanks for your accurate reply to my question. I think you nailed it right on the head. Use the tripod ALWAYS.

After I guessed Olympic NP and posted I thought to myself that Vancouver Island would be a good guess as well. Where I live is so much like that scene I could easily immagine it being here. We are in the same weather system as Vancouver and the Queen Charlottes just more Northernly but North Pacific influences none the less.

Your composition in that pic is great. All compositional elements seem to lead the eye around in the picture. None actually lead out. Anyway thanks for your help. I do appreciate it. I'll forget the auto focus and use manual. Cheers. Bob
Open my eyes lord that I might see wonderous things. Psalms 118:19
Visit my gallery: http://northland.smugmug.com

Practical method of finding Hyperfocal Distance in the field.

For a particular focal length/aperture combination, focus at infinity and take a shot. Look carefully at the result and ascertain the nearest point in acceptable focus. This is the hyperfocal distance. Now focus on that point and you will get the maximum depth of field for that focal length/aperture combination. Sorry, only useful for digital cameras.