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Hi,

I'm not sure where to put this one - to review or to general section. I'd like to receive some comments on image itself and I'd like to discuss the subject

Lens: Nikkor 50mm 1.8. At f/11 manually set to hyper focal distance (about 20 meters) using marks on lens. 1/250


Are you using focusing at hyper-focal distance? When? Why? Does it work for this image?

Hlop wrote:Are you using focusing at hyper-focal distance? When? Why? Does it work for this image?

Yes. Landscapes. To get everything in focus. Can't tell.

We can't tell if it worked for this image. The image looks a little soft, but that may be because of your resizing/sharpening technique. You'd need to look at crops at 100% of areas in the image at various distances to be sure.

The DoF markings on 35mm lenses are more of a rough guide. They generally assume 35mm film, a particular print size (~12x8 I think) and a reasonable viewing distance. Most people using digital (and even film) are much more sensitive to sharpness, especially if you are viewing at 1:1 on a monitor. Also, you often want the scene at infinity to be critically sharp since it forms a key part of the composition. When using the hyperfocal technique inifinity is placed at the edge of the DoF range where it is getting a little out of focus. In general I'd recommend focusing at (or closer to) the key part of your composition and stopping down further than the DoF markings suggest.

The third in front - 2 thirds behind rule in focus(DOF) is my golden rule .

The Nat.Geo. Field Guide suggests focusing at the bottom 1/3 point/line of your compostion (use the d70 guide lines), as this should assist with locating this ratio. With the d70 you can set your focus zone to the bottom box.
Most other systems focus the centre and hence arent taking advantage of this principle.

Working with hyperfocal distancing works well too.

lejazzcat wrote:The Nat.Geo. Field Guide suggests focusing at the bottom 1/3 point/line of your compostion (use the d70 guide lines), as this should assist with locating this ratio. With the d70 you can set your focus zone to the bottom box.

I use this method more often than not, it's a lot quicker than working out hyperfocals etc. (for me, anyway). It's a quick and dirty method that works for me
Certainly wasn't aware it was an 'official' method prescribed by the NatGeo gods. I also wasn't aware of a National Geographic Field Guide. Anyone know where I might find one, and how much they're likely to cost? I find alot of my inspiration comes from looking at their pics

Sheepie,
here it is mate , but i refered to it as a source, not as a recommendation - although for beginner - intermediate photogs - its a great baseline introduction.


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... ce&s=books