We know that the hyperfocal distance will help us achieve the maximum depth of field possible with any given lens. So, for the widest angle of view and the smallest aperture, we want to focus on the hyperfocal distance. But how do we do that? This week I present you with a very low-tech for yet effective solution.
There are no markings on your lens nor settings in your camera to indicate the hyperfocal distance. This is something best determined before you head out to shoot. Older film camera lenses often had a window on the lens that gave a general indication of depth of field, but remember, digital cameras don’t have a consistent sensor size and the depth of field calculation changes depending upon the size of the sensor.
Photographers have a handicap. Think about it. We live on, and photograph, this wonderful spinning blue ball called Earth. Our subjects are dynamic three-dimensional objects - some real close to our cameras and others far away. Yet the end result of our endeavors is usually a flat two-dimensional piece of artwork. We loose that third dimension we called depth.
