Depth of Field and Hyperfocal Distance Calculator

Hyperfocal Distance Formula:

\[ \text{Hyperfocal} = \frac{\text{Focal Length}^2}{\text{Aperture} \times \text{CoC}} + \text{Focal Length} \]

Focal Length:

Aperture (f-number):

Circle of Confusion:

Focus Distance (optional):

meters

Hyperfocal Distance:

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1. What is Hyperfocal Distance?

The hyperfocal distance is the closest distance at which a lens can be focused while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp. When the lens is focused at this distance, all objects from half the hyperfocal distance to infinity will be acceptably sharp.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hyperfocal distance formula:

\[ \text{Hyperfocal} = \frac{\text{Focal Length}^2}{\text{Aperture} \times \text{CoC}} + \text{Focal Length} \]

Where:

Focal Length — Lens focal length in millimeters
Aperture — f-number of the lens (e.g., f/8)
CoC — Circle of confusion in millimeters (typically 0.029mm for full frame)

Explanation: The formula calculates the distance at which to focus to maximize depth of field from half that distance to infinity.

3. Importance of Hyperfocal Distance

Details: Understanding hyperfocal distance is crucial for landscape photography and other situations where maximum depth of field is desired. It helps photographers achieve sharp focus throughout the scene.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the focal length of your lens, the aperture you'll be using, and the circle of confusion for your camera sensor. Optionally enter a focus distance to calculate depth of field limits.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Circle of Confusion (CoC)?
A: CoC is the maximum diameter a point of light can be blurred and still be perceived as a point. It varies by camera sensor size (typically 0.029mm for full frame, 0.018mm for APS-C).

Q2: Why does hyperfocal distance matter?
A: It helps maximize depth of field in landscape photography, ensuring both foreground and background are sharp.

Q3: Does sensor size affect hyperfocal distance?
A: Indirectly, through the circle of confusion. Smaller sensors typically use smaller CoC values.

Q4: What's the practical use of this calculation?
A: It helps photographers determine where to focus to get everything from half that distance to infinity acceptably sharp.

Q5: How does aperture affect hyperfocal distance?
A: Smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) decrease hyperfocal distance, increasing depth of field.