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Panorama
Hyper-focal focusing...
Aug 16, 2019 02:20:07   #
Rongnongno Loc: FL
 
If you want to create panoramas this is something you need to use at least once to see what this is really about.

Simplified hyper-focusing is the optimal use of your lens depth of field - depending on your subject distance and depth.

Consider that the dof is longer in the back of the focus plane and shorter in front. You need to determine what is more important to you as details go.

Remember, the dof creates an area of 'acceptable focus' which means that if you use hyper-focal to create a landscape the further from the focus plane the details are the less sharp.

As usual it is a give and take.

You have many calculators that will help you figure this out.

Personally I shoot for details so hyper-focusing is not something I use often.

Note that stacking for focus is a different approach but more complex to shoot and post process, even with newer cameras and software,

When using a prime lens to shoot anything - including landscape - I prefer by far to use the lens optimal aperture and when possible its optimal distance use. Something that was called the 'sweet spot' of a lens.

When doing a critical capture (not that often) I typically use a tripod, use the lens nodal point, focus on what interests me most manually (live view is a great help as you can 1:1 with it). Then shooting a stitched panorama becomes an automated process. Move laterally then up or down depending of the starting corner to shoot the next row.

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Aug 17, 2019 12:49:39   #
David Kay Loc: Arlington Heights IL
 
Great information in this post. Thanks Ron.

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Aug 19, 2019 07:43:20   #
Kaib795 Loc: Maryland, USA
 
Hyper-focal length focusing the easy way.
I compose my shot on a tripod. Looking through the lens, you need to find the closest thing to the composed shot from the view of the camera but look at the nearest spot that is in the center bottom of the frame. Step to the side of the camera and find that spot on the ground then estimate the distance from the lens to that spot and double it, locate that double distance and make the camera focus on that spot. You are done, take the shot.

Some shots are just to expansive to get everything in focus but if this is the case just focus one third out and take the shot then focus up close and take the second shot which you combine using layers to get everything in focus.

If in doubt do both and find out what works best with your shots. The very distant captures will be better off with a double shot you combine later in post.

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