Focusing at hyper-focal distance

Got a thin skin? Then look elsewhere. Post a link to an image that you've made, and invite others to offer their critiques. Honesty is encouraged, but please be positive in your constructive criticism. Flaming and just plain nastiness will not be tolerated. Please note that this is not an area for you to showcase your images, nor is this a place for you to show-off where you have been. This is an area for you to post images so that you may share with us a technique that you have mastered, or are trying to master. Typically, no more than about four images should be posted in any one post or thread, and the maximum size of any side of any image should not exceed 950 px.

Moderators: Greg B, Nnnnsic, Geoff, Glen, gstark, Moderators

Forum rules
Please note that image critiquing is a matter of give and take: if you post images for critique, and you then expect to receive criticism, then it is also reasonable, fair and appropriate that, in return, you post your critique of the images of other members here as a matter of courtesy. So please do offer your critique of the images of others; your opinion is important, and will help everyone here enjoy their visit to far greater extent.

Also please note that, unless you state something to the contrary, other members might attempt to repost your image with their own post processing applied. We see this as an acceptable form of critique, but should you prefer that others not modify your work, this is perfectly ok, and you should state this, either within your post, or within your signature.

Images posted here should conform with the general forum guidelines. Image sizes should not exceed 950 pixels along the largest side (height or width) and typically no more than four images per post or thread.

Please also ensure that you have a meaningful location included in your profile. Please refer to the FAQ for details of what "meaningful" is.

Focusing at hyper-focal distance

Postby Hlop on Fri Sep 30, 2005 9:28 am

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
Image

Are you using focusing at hyper-focal distance? When? Why? Does it work for this image?
Mikhail
Hasselblad 501CM, XPAN, Wista DX 4x5, Pentax 67, Nikon D70, FED-2
User avatar
Hlop
Senior Member
 
Posts: 1355
Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2005 9:27 am
Location: Singapore

Re: Focusing at hyper-focal distance

Postby DaveB on Fri Sep 30, 2005 9:47 am

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.
User avatar
DaveB
Senior Member
 
Posts: 1850
Joined: Wed Aug 31, 2005 10:57 pm
Location: Box Hill, Vic

Postby xorl on Fri Sep 30, 2005 12:03 pm

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.
Mark
User avatar
xorl
Member
 
Posts: 391
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2005 11:07 am
Location: Sydney, NSW

Postby lejazzcat on Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:06 pm

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.
So many ideas. So little time.

"The camera is much more than a recording apparatus, it is a medium via which messages reach us from another world, a world that is not ours and that brings us to the heart of a great secret" Orson Welles
User avatar
lejazzcat
Member
 
Posts: 232
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2005 9:37 am
Location: Sydney Australia D70

Postby sheepie on Fri Sep 30, 2005 1:27 pm

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 :)
*** When getting there is half the fun! ***
User avatar
sheepie
Key Member
 
Posts: 3029
Joined: Sun Aug 08, 2004 11:56 am
Location: Picnic Point, Sydney Australia *** Nikon D200/D70 ***

Postby lejazzcat on Fri Sep 30, 2005 2:27 pm

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
So many ideas. So little time.

"The camera is much more than a recording apparatus, it is a medium via which messages reach us from another world, a world that is not ours and that brings us to the heart of a great secret" Orson Welles
User avatar
lejazzcat
Member
 
Posts: 232
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2005 9:37 am
Location: Sydney Australia D70


Return to Image Reviews and Critiques