[adwb]

apart from referring to tables or some software program is there a trick to setting the hyper-focal distance on the kit 18-55 lens, given that it dos not have a DOF scale?
I find the preview quite useless although that is probably because I'm not sure what I am looking for on the preview.
I don't have or really want to buy a wide angle for landscapes but I would like to find out how to get the maximum DOF.
Alistair

[mickeyobe]

adwb,

Check this:

Hyperfocal Distance – Photographer’s Friend

Mickey

[ma318]

apart from referring to tables or some software program is there a trick to setting the hyper-focal distance on the kit 18-55 lens, given that it dos not have a DOF scale?
I find the preview quite useless although that is probably because I'm not sure what I am looking for on the preview.
I don't have or really want to buy a wide angle for landscapes but I would like to find out how to get the maximum DOF.
Alistair

For focal length 18mm:
Use a tripod and 2 sec timer and use f11 and focus on a subject 5 feet away, then everything from about 2.5 feet to infinity will be in acceptable focus.

[older not wiser]

The problem with marking the hyperfocal distances on a two touch zoom like the standard kit lenses is that it is that the scale would have to be constantly changing as you zoom. The 18mm end has different optical properties from the 55mm end (the wider the angle the higher the depth of field). Unfortunately if you do not want to carry around depth of field tables the only other option is the DOF preview, that can get very dark on small f numbers.
Have a look at this link. Hyperfocal Distance Chart - DOFMaster

[Marc Sabatella]

I find the preview quite useless although that is probably because I'm not sure what I am looking for on the preview.

You're looking to see what's in focus, simple as that. Normally in the viewfinder you see what would be in focus if you shot wide open; when doing an (optical) preview, it shows you what will be in focus when you take the picture. that way you can decide if you need to move the focus closer or farther or away, or if you need to change aperture. The digital preview actually takes the picture so you can see what's in focus that way.

I don't have or really want to buy a wide angle for landscapes but I would like to find out how to get the maximum DOF.

Well, maximum DOF is at minimum aperture - but that's also maximum diffraction. It's all abut trying to find a balance. Shoot at f/11, aim somewhere in middle distance, check the results in the preview, and don't worry so much about what some formula says.

[RioRico]

The problem with marking the hyperfocal distances on a two touch zoom like the standard kit lenses is that it is that the scale would have to be constantly changing as you zoom. The 18mm end has different optical properties from the 55mm end (the wider the angle the higher the depth of field).

That's the trade-off for using modern zooms -- flexibility vs uncertainty. Although I seem to recall early push-pull zooms inscribed with converging lines, showing the DOF at all focal lengths. Don't have any of those with me at the moment. Darn.

Unfortunately if you do not want to carry around depth of field tables the only other option is the DOF preview, that can get very dark on small f numbers.

In my bag I always carry an old Kodak Master Photoguide, which has a circular DOF calculator. Unfortunately, it only works for focal lengths of around 50, 75, 105 and 150mm, the 'normal' lenses for 135, 645-6x6, 6x9, and 4x5" cameras. This is good enough for the folders I carry, but not for superzooms. Hey, how about a photographer's killer iPhone app -- a universal DOF calculator?!?!?

[sterretje]

... Hey, how about a photographer's killer iPhone app -- a universal DOF calculator?!?!?

Hyperfocal Distance and Depth of Field Calculator - DOFMaster , search for iphone/ipod

I've never used the specific one

[jezza323]

I've got this iPhone app. Does DOF calculations, and a whole heap of other useful stuff

Jezza's Photography Stories: Photobuddy for iPhone

[bimjo]

Hyperfocal Distance and Depth of Field Calculator - DOFMaster , search for iphone/ipod

I've never used the specific one

I d/l'd it the other day (iPhone app). It works just like the web site does. Has a ton of formats/cameras. Pretty handy, assuming you always have your phone with you.

[RioRico]

I d/l'd it the other day (iPhone app). It works just like the web site does. Has a ton of formats/cameras. Pretty handy, assuming you always have your phone with you.

What good is your iPhone if you don't have it with you?

NOTE: I am one of the last 15 humans in North America without any kind of cell phone. Hey, we should form a group! But I can't call them to arrange meetings. Bother.

[bimjo]

What good is your iPhone if you don't have it with you?

NOTE: I am one of the last 15 humans in North America without any kind of cell phone. Hey, we should form a group! But I can't call them to arrange meetings. Bother.

It's big enough to make a decent paperweight. Don't think it's thick enough to use as a doorstop though.

I was among the last 15 humans in North America to buy a CD player. Now I almost never use it. Go figure.

[RioRico]

I was among the last 15 humans in North America to buy a CD player. Now I almost never use it. Go figure.

Yeah, MP3s are so much easier to deal with, especially when they come in torrents.

[irishwhite]

...so much easier to deal with, especially when they come in torrents.

that's what she said!


badaboom, baddabing....hold your applause...i'll be here all night!




anyways, back on topic...that iphone app looks sweet. Guess i'll have to dust off the ole iphone now. finally have a decent use for it outside of an overprice ipod, since i'm a blackberry guy.