Originally posted by philbaum Lowell, Thanks for saying that, i couldn't figure out what focusing sweep had to do with DOF.
I had a similar experience with varying sweeps using 24mm & 28mm lenses on film versus the longer sweeps of normal lenses. My instructor at the time taught me to approximate focus (whether shooting a wide interior or a landscape) using the distance scales, then to
gently fine-tune. He also suggested starting at hyperfocal distance using the scales. These actions took practice with each specific lens to master (and I never really did master them).
Of course, the world was generaly more patient and contemplative then - we had time to find the focus in what we were doing.
As I commit to ending this compulsive lens buying and selling to "trade-up" to something I'm dreaming about (LBA Moratorium), and thus as my lens kit stabilizes around
the smaller number of lenses, I plan to keep in my bag, I am becoming accustomed to each lens through practice.
I am intentionally learning to look for "snap" focus - that point where the image suddenly snaps into focus against the matte surface as I rotate the focus ring, and trying to become less dependent on the focus assist indicator (K10D). Of course that is harder on a truly deep shot.
I surely miss the MESuper viewfinder with split-image prism, but I have to use what I have.
This probably is tangential to the OP's inquiry, but my opinion is the focus sweep of each lens just needs to be learned and used as it is.