![]() Turn the focus ring until each distance is equally far from the center index, and you'll see that each distance lies next to the same aperture number on different sides of the scale.Īs an example, let's suppose we want everything from 10 feet (3 meters) to infinity in perfect focus.ĭepth-of-Field scale, Leica 40mm f/2. Focus on the nearest thing, and note its distance on the scale. ![]() To use your depth of field scales, focus on the farthest thing you want sharp. You use your existing depth-of-field scales, and simply use the apertures shown on my chart instead of those read on your lens. It's very complex if you want to read this whole thing, but for 99% of you, here's all you do. What do we do when we do need depth of field? My lens reviews give the best apertures for each lens, but it is almost always f/8 if you need no depth of field. If you're shooting flat subjects, the sharpest aperture is usually f/8. The very best aperture is someplace between these two, and I'm going to show you how to find it exactly. If you stop down more you get sharper results, but if you stop down too far, diffraction gives you softer results, just like squinting your eyes. They do not calculate the aperture which will give you the sharpest photo, just the bare minimum.ĭepth-of-field charts and scales came from an era where film was very slow and we always needed the widest aperture possible. They calculate the largest aperture that will give barely passable sharpness. ![]() If you read all of it, I'll probably lose you, but I'll summarize it all right here.ĭepth-of-field calculations are flawed. I originally wrote this article back in 1999. Home Donate New Search Gallery How-To Books Links Workshops About Contact
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |