Hyperfocal Distance Estimation: To get everything sharp from front to back in a landscape scene, I have a couple of small charts I use that list hyperfocal distances for various focal...

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

To get everything sharp from front to back in a landscape scene, I have a couple of small charts I use that list hyperfocal distances for various focal lengths and aperture values. But, I'm curious about any quick mental calculations members are using these days to estimate hyperfocal distances ... or should I just stick to my charts?

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

You might wish to consider using an app for your phone. I use the DOF Calculator which works very well with a variety of camera makes and models.

Linary Loc: UK

DJCard wrote:

To get everything sharp from front to back in a landscape scene, I have a couple of small charts I use that list hyperfocal distances for various focal lengths and aperture values. But, I'm curious about any quick mental calculations members are using these days to estimate hyperfocal distances ... or should I just stick to my charts?

There is a nice little article about calculating hyperfocal distances on the fly: http://www.lightstalking.com/calculate-use-hyperfocal-distance-better-landscape-photography

DofMaster also publishes an equation but it is slightly different: http://www.dofmaster.com/equations.html

johnbee418 Loc: Manchester Conn.

I would dearly love to have access to those charts. Would you make them available, please?

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

Here is a bunch of them, some you can download and print out.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=hyperfocal+distance+chart&qpvt=hyper+focal+distance+chart&qpvt=hyper+focal+distance+chart&FORM=IARRSM

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

DJCard wrote:

To get everything sharp from front to back in a landscape scene, I have a couple of small charts I use that list hyperfocal distances for various focal lengths and aperture values. But, I'm curious about any quick mental calculations members are using these days to estimate hyperfocal distances ... or should I just stick to my charts?

If you have a a sufficiently lit day, set the camera to manual mode and your aperture to f/22. Set your shutter where it should be. Then, using the focus, set your distance scale on your lens to about 3 feet. Compose your shot and everything will be in focus from about 18 inches in front of the lens to infinity.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

I don't know what type of phone you have but I use an app called Hyperfocal Pro on an Android phone and it works very well.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I use one called "field tools" on my IPhone.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Thomas Heaton on calculating hyperfocal distance with a ruler!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA_ohOD9ypU

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

WayneT wrote:

Here is a bunch of them, some you can download and print out.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=hyperfocal+distance+chart&qpvt=hyper+focal+distance+chart&qpvt=hyper+focal+distance+chart&FORM=IARRSM

Yes, these are essentially the same as the ones I use. I printed a couple of them, cut them down to size, laminated them, and carry in my shirt pocket.

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

windshoppe wrote:

You might wish to consider using an app for your phone. I use the DOF Calculator which works very well with a variety of camera makes and models.

Thanks, I'll definitely check it out.

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

brucewells wrote:

If you have a a sufficiently lit day, set the camera to manual mode and your aperture to f/22. Set your shutter where it should be. Then, using the focus, set your distance scale on your lens to about 3 feet. Compose your shot and everything will be in focus from about 18 inches in front of the lens to infinity.

Interesting ... I'll give it a shot (... sorry about the pun). Thanks.

DJCard Loc: Northern Kentucky

Appreciate the input! Didn't realize there were apps for iPhone. My laminated charts tend to fall out of my front pocket, eventually.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

DJCard wrote:

Interesting ... I'll give it a shot (... sorry about the pun). Thanks.

I can't take credit for it. I learned this from Bryan Peterson in one of his 'Exposure' books.

Good luck!!

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Thomas Heaton on calculating hyperfocal distance with a ruler!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA_ohOD9ypU

Interesting. If we ever get a day again when the sun shines here I'll go out and try his thoughts on just setting the lens to infinity for landscape shots and stop worrying about focus, hyper or otherwise.