Thank you everyone for your replies. I have been using autofocus because of my poor eyesight. After much reading I find manual focus "hyperfocal" is suggested for the best results for DOF. I will experiment and get back to the post with my results. I am shooting desert cactus scenes right now scattered close to far away. Will also try the 1/3 focal point.

I like to shoot landscapes. I have read my "sweet spot" on the Sony SAL1650 is F8. For better DOF I know F16 or greater is suggested to use but I do not want to loose detail. Anyone have any suggestions on the best aperture setting for good detail landscape photography? The lens is mounted on a Sony A77 ll. Also, same question but when bracketing for HDR best F stop?. Thank you for your help.