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
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.
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.
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.
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?
Bret
Loc: Dayton Ohio
Bret-
That is a great resource on DOF!
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.
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.
Thanks everyone. I think I finally understand. I'll go practice and try your suggestions.
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.
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.
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
thanks used to have that info on the lens
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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