How to calculate hyperfocal distance: free photography cheat sheet

jmeyer | Landscape | Photography Tips | 08/02/2013 01:00am

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Setting up hyperfocal distances

Make a note
Enter details for camera type, focal length and aperture at the www.dofmaster.com website and make a list of hyperfocal distances of all major zoom settings and apertures you want to use, which you can jot down and keep in your camera bag.

Alternatively, you can use our free hyperfocal distance cheat sheet table on page 3 of this post.

Line it up
Mount your camera on a tripod and set your required zoom length, switch to Av mode and dial in your chosen aperture. Line up the base measuring point of the laser measure with the focal plane marker on the camera body, not with the front of the lens.

Measure and move
Operate the laser measure to capture the distance to a convenient object. Move closer or further away from the object until the actual distance matches the hyperfocal distance for the zoom setting and aperture combination you’ve chosen.

Lock it off
Using Single Shot, centre-point autofocus, lightly press the shutter to achieve focus. Now switch the lens to Manual Focus mode and take care not to move the focus ring. It’s worth locking the zoom and focus rings with gaffa tape before moving the camera.

PAGE 1: What is hyperfocal distance?
PAGE 2: Setting up hyperfocal distances
PAGE 3: Calculate hyperfocal distance with our free cheat sheet
PAGE 4: Tips for sharper landscapes using hyperfocal distance