I need help finding the greatest depth of field...

[ltilley]

So, all the new lenses don't have the focus range on them anymore... so I'm having a harder time setting the focus for the greatest depth of field. I used to set my focal distance and use the numbers on my lens to set the aperture for the greatest depth of field.

What's the best way to do this now that most lenses leave these numbers off???

THANKS!

[another view]

Try focusing about 1/3 of the way into the area that you want in focus, rather than the close or far edge of the area you want as the DOF. Of course you know that smaller apertures give you more DOF and a higher margin of error, but the smallest apertures on a lens can cost you some sharpness. For 35mm, I rarely shoot past f11.

Some primes still have hyperfocal focusing lines on them, but a lot of people don't use them (or know what they're for) anymore. Too bad, because it's a good way to help get a sharp image. There are DOF calculators online so try Googling it. Galen Rowell used to use the markers a little differently - if the area that he wanted in sharp focus fell on the f8 markers, he'd use f11 just to be sure. I think the markers are set up for "acceptable" sharpness in an 8x10 print from 35mm, but what's acceptable to one person may not be to another.

[ltilley]

Thanks for the help. I always used f11 and the markers to used the greatest DOP, but unfortunately, none of my newer lenses including my 50mm have the markings at all. I'd used them foe sure if I had them....

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll just focus 1/3 of the way into the photo... I'll give it a try!!

Thanks again, Lisa

[freygr]

Thanks for the help. I always used f11 and the markers to used the greatest DOP, but unfortunately, none of my newer lenses including my 50mm have the markings at all. I'd used them foe sure if I had them....

Thanks for the suggestion - I'll just focus 1/3 of the way into the photo... I'll give it a try!!

Thanks again, Lisa

Well see if the camera has an apperture priorty mode. If it does it should give you the f numbers.

[another view]

Aperture priority doesn't have anything to do with DOF. This mode (common on many cameras) will let you pick the aperture, then the camera will pick the shutter speed needed for proper exposure. You could use an aperture priority mode with a fairly small aperture (like f11), but you'll be better off by focusing carefully. Also, keep an eye on the shutter speed. In a lot of cases an aperture of f11 may give you a slow enough shutter speed that the whole shot will be blurry from camera shake without a tripod...