Originally posted by yusuf
Coming back to focus technique, there is a elaborate claim on focusing on infinity vs focusing on hyperfocal distance in website I mentioned in the original post. As per author, focusing on Infinity able to resolve subject much better than focusing on hyperfocal distance. Opinion?
The argument is relatively fundamental. This is a good treatment:
Hyperfocal distance revisited - using depth of field concepts in photographic composition - page 2 | PSA Journal
There are tradeoffs to everything of course. Hyperfocal distance allows the photographer to
set his lens in such a manner that
he does not need to mess with focusing.
That's where this argument might become somewhat specious... even you couched it this way: " focusing on infinity vs focusing on hyperfocal distance."
I simply would answer that
you do not focus on hyperforcal distance, you SET it. There is a BIG difference when you are a combat or press photographer and you have once chance at something that's going to happen or is happening fast.
It's a tool. Knowing how to use it could mean getting the shot.
Originally posted by yusuf Dad taught me hyperforcal distance. He was a press photographer. When he taught me he demonstrated the math verbally. He did it by way of showing me the scales... and what the assumptions and math were behind those scales.
He could do the math in his head. Quickly. They all could. It was their stock in trade. It meant bringing home the bacon.
Use infinity by all means. But understand and practice hyperforcal once in a while. It is actually pretty liberating, it DOES work, and it can be very, very fast.
woof!