Reliable depth of field calculators??

[Ellis Vener]

Is there a reliable depth of field calculator which takes into account format size, focal length, and hyper- focal distance, and possibly reproduction size?

I want to set up a remotely triggered (via PocketWizard Plus 4 or Raven remotes) camera with off-camera flash gear to photograph birds in flight coming and going from a feeder.

Preferably it should be an interactive online version where I can change the variables.

And yes I do understand that diffraction comes with the territory when stopping down to f/11, f/16 or f/22.

Ellis Vener
To see my work, please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
I am on Instagram @EllisVenerStudio
“If I have any advice to give, it is that a photographer should learn to work with the minimum amount of equipment. The more you are able to forget your equipment, the more time you have to concentrate on the subject and on the composition. The camera should become an extension of your eye, nothing more.”- Ernst Haas from the afterword to his monograph “The Creation” (1972

 

[Tom Axford]

Is there a reliable depth of field calculator which takes into account format size, focal length, and hyper- focal distance, and possibly reproduction size?

Normally a DoF calculator requires the sensor size, focal length, f-number and subject distance to calculate the DoF. The CoC (circle of confusion) is also required, but is often assumed to be equal to the sensor diagonal divided by 1500, or thereabouts.

If you know the image magnification (image size divided by object size), then, in principle, you can use it instead of the subject distance, but I do not know of any DoF calculator that permits that.

Also in principle, you can use the hyperfocal distance instead of the f-number, but again I do not know of a DoF calculator that permits that.

Is that what you are looking for, or have I misunderstood your problem?

 

[Tom Axford]

Can you explain why you are unable to use the usual DoF calculators?

 

[Bernard Delley]

Is there a reliable depth of field calculator which takes into account format size, focal length, and hyper- focal distance, and possibly reproduction size?

I want to set up a remotely triggered (via PocketWizard Plus 4 or Raven remotes) camera with off-camera flash gear to photograph birds in flight coming and going from a feeder.

Preferably it should be an interactive online version where I can change the variables.

And yes I do understand that diffraction comes with the territory when stopping down to f/11, f/16 or f/22.

Ellis Vener
To see my work, please visit http://www.ellisvener.com
I am on Instagram @EllisVenerStudio
“If I have any advice to give, it is that a photographer should learn to work with the minimum amount of equipment. The more you are able to forget your equipment, the more time you have to concentrate on the subject and on the composition. The camera should become an extension of your eye, nothing more.”- Ernst Haas from the afterword to his monograph “The Creation” (1972

I think with a given geometry there is not much of a problem requiring a more reliable DoF calculation. The bottom line comes to this: You basically focus on the trigger distance, possibly with a lead/guidance for the flying bird. You chose f/8 or f/11 if the flash is strong enough. If the DoF is about good enough, its safer to prefocus and turn AF off. If you have to focus for the bird about while it gets flashed, good luck.

 

[ipopov]

Of DoF calculators I found this one the best: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.jonathansachs.dof

- It allows to specify arbitrary CoC

- It allows computation in different directions (DoF from focal length, aperture, and focus distance; aperture from desired focus range; etc.)

- It takes diffraction into account

- It allows to save several different presets ("cameras") and switch between them quickly

- It allows to compute parameters for focus stacking

- It has magnification mode. where it works in terms of magnification rather than distance

Of cons, its interface can be awkward at times.

 

[R Holt]

DOFMaster works well as long as you choose a reasonable circle of confusion. For digital cameras a conservative CoC value = 2.5 * pixel size. Some websites suggest that diffraction sets in when the airy disk size = CoC.

An approximation of the airy disk size is fstop / 750.

For a Canon 5DMK2, pixel size = .0064mm

CoC = 2.5 * .0064mm = .016mm

Airy disk size at f/11 = 11/750 = 0.0146mm

Airy disk size at f/16 = 11/750 = 0.0213mm

 

[Ellis Vener]

Thanks!

 

[Doug Haag]

Of DoF calculators I found this one the best: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.jonathansachs.dof

- It allows to specify arbitrary CoC

- It allows computation in different directions (DoF from focal length, aperture, and focus distance; aperture from desired focus range; etc.)

- It takes diffraction into account

- It allows to save several different presets ("cameras") and switch between them quickly

- It allows to compute parameters for focus stacking

- It has magnification mode. where it works in terms of magnification rather than distance

Of cons, its interface can be awkward at times.

I don't recognize the link you provided. But I have happily used Jonathan Sach's DOF software for over a decade, Anyone interested should note that it is designed to work only with the Windows or Android operating systems, It is also different than many other depth of field programs with respect to it's graphical display of the calculated results.

I can't relate to your complaint about its user interface. But on further reflection, I have to admit it is reminiscent of this author's other photo editing software that is often intended for the user who appreciates exerting hands on control over his tools. Sort of like the photographer who likes the personal control associated with shooting in manual mode or the car driver who can operate stick shift.

Here's the link I would use to download this "free" software. https://www.dl-c.com/DoF/

 

[ipopov]

I don't recognize the link you provided.

The link I provided is the same as "DoF for Android" link on Jonathan Sach's website.

I can't relate to your complaint about its user interface. But on further reflection, I have to admit it is reminiscent of this author's other photo editing software that is often intended for the user who appreciates exerting hands on control over his tools. Sort of like the photographer who likes the personal control associated with shooting in manual mode or the car driver who can operate stick shift.

It wasn't a complaint. It just has to get used to. I remember I had some difficulty creating a camera for the first time. But once you get used to it, it is quite powerful.

 

[Doug Haag]

I don't recognize the link you provided.

The link I provided is the same as "DoF for Android" link on Jonathan Sach's website.

I can't relate to your complaint about its user interface. But on further reflection, I have to admit it is reminiscent of this author's other photo editing software that is often intended for the user who appreciates exerting hands on control over his tools. Sort of like the photographer who likes the personal control associated with shooting in manual mode or the car driver who can operate stick shift.

It wasn't a complaint. It just has to get used to. I remember I had some difficulty creating a camera for the first time. But once you get used to it, it is quite powerful.

Totally agree,

I even use it for things other than depth of field since he gratuitously provides the width and height of the image at the focus distance selected.

I find it handy that you don't have to type in the numbers to check the result for a different focal length, f/stop or distance to plane of focus. If you want to test the results for a different input, just move the slider to that focal length, etc.