Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Each prime lens has it's own set of DOF depending on the F/stop and sensor size. A wide angle lens will produce a longer focus point than a standard lens at the same f/stop and used on the same camera. Yes the focus ring has a gauge to help give you an idea of the DOF but in reality who shoots at F/22 except for rare occasions. Plus each lens has it's own sweet spot. On a 50mm f/1.4 lens the sweet spots are f/5.6 - f/8. Typically the sweet spot is 3 - 4 stops above wide open. So when I'm shooting a pano I try and pick an f/stop that gives me the DOF I need but I weigh in the sweet spot. Sometimes just backing up a bit will help you pick an f/stop that stays eithin the sweet spot of the lens.