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DOF
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Apr 28, 2012 09:17:09   #
boomboom Loc: Stow, Ohio
 
When trying to obtain a better DOF shot, where do you focus in the picture. Is your DOF also include in front of your focus point also. I hope this makes sense to someone. I guess what I'm trying to say is, do you focus on the closest point and try to get a depth of clarity from there or do you focus lets say a third of the way into the picture and get focus in front of and behind focal point. Thanks. Jerry

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Apr 28, 2012 09:28:38   #
haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska
 
Quote:
a better DOF shot, where do you focus in the picture.

What are you asking when you say, a better DOF shot?

When I am taking shots of people, I try to focus on the eyes. If there is a group of people I try to use around f/8 to get a wide DOF. I would say to focus on what is important to the picture and then adjust the f-stop to determine the desired DOF.

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Apr 28, 2012 09:34:09   #
boomboom Loc: Stow, Ohio
 
Let's say I want to take a picture of a group of wind turbines which are one behind each other. Where would I put my focus point if I want all of them to be in focus as I adjust my f-stop? Do I focus on the closest one or somewhere in the middle.? Sorry if I'm confusing the issue.

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Apr 28, 2012 09:41:59   #
haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska
 
Depending on your lens and the distance between them, you may or may not get them all in focus.

Focusing on the center one (in distance) using a higher f-stop (f/16 - f/22) would give you the greatest DOF. I would set up the shot using a tripod and then just try different f-stops to see if you get the shot you want.

If you were using a wide-angle lens (10mm to 24mm) you may be able to just focus on the center one (in distance) and get them all.

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Apr 28, 2012 09:47:51   #
boomboom Loc: Stow, Ohio
 
Thanks for your patience. If I'm understanding you right, by using a higher f-stop such as f-22 you increase your focus from front to back and side to side. It gives you a larger focus area. Is that correct?

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Apr 28, 2012 11:13:35   #
Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio
 
Yup.....have a look at this...
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

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Apr 28, 2012 12:36:54   #
haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska
 
Bret-

That is a great resource on DOF!

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Apr 28, 2012 12:50:51   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
boomboom wrote:
Thanks for your patience. If I'm understanding you right, by using a higher f-stop such as f-22 you increase your focus from front to back and side to side. It gives you a larger focus area. Is that correct?


Focus 1/3rd in. Using a higher f stop ( larger number) increases depth of field. Don't know where you're getting "side to side" reference. Depth-of-field refers to focus depth, not width.

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Apr 28, 2012 13:16:56   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Focus 1/3rd in. Using a higher f stop (larger number) increases depth of field. Depth-of-field refers to focus depth, not width.
Exactly. Aperture (diaphragm opening) is measured as a fraction of lens focal length. The smaller the aperture, the deeper the DOF. f/16 has greater DOF than f/2.

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Apr 28, 2012 13:27:43   #
boomboom Loc: Stow, Ohio
 
Thanks everyone. I think I finally understand. I'll go practice and try your suggestions.

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Apr 29, 2012 06:57:25   #
steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA
 
Nikonian72 wrote:
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Focus 1/3rd in. Using a higher f stop (larger number) increases depth of field. Depth-of-field refers to focus depth, not width.
Exactly. Aperture (diaphragm opening) is measured as a fraction of lens focal length. The smaller the aperture, the deeper the DOF. f/16 has greater DOF than f/2.


... At any aperture, your depth of field (that is, what is in 'acceptable' focus) as measured from your point of focus, extends 1/3 forward and 2/3 behind your actual point of focus. The smaller the aperture, the larger (deeper) this area will be.

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Apr 29, 2012 08:31:38   #
boomboom Loc: Stow, Ohio
 
Thanks for making it so simple even I could understand. This was my first time asking a question on UHH and I appreciate everyone taking time to answer my question.

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Apr 29, 2012 09:15:55   #
docrob Loc: Durango, Colorado
 
boomboom wrote:
Let's say I want to take a picture of a group of wind turbines which are one behind each other. Where would I put my focus point if I want all of them to be in focus as I adjust my f-stop? Do I focus on the closest one or somewhere in the middle.? Sorry if I'm confusing the issue.


1/3 rd into the frame if using a wide angle lens if using a telephoto be creative because you will not be able to get them all in focus

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Apr 29, 2012 10:10:05   #
ole sarg Loc: south florida
 
thanks used to have that info on the lens


Bret wrote:
Yup.....have a look at this...
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html

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Apr 29, 2012 10:11:33   #
djmarti Loc: cape cod,
 
Remember if you use too high of an f stop number say above an f14 your image starts noticebly losing sharpness as diffracition sets in. every lens is different but most start this effect above an f/10. So as you get everything in focus with the high numbers your overall image loses quality so remember don't go too high. Using a wide angle lens usually an f14 is a good if your depth of field is extreme. Using a f 22 really degrades overall image quality.

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