The dreamy hyperfocal look...

[ampguy]

lol

lol

interesting comment, that one ...

but isn't this cheating and dishonest and whatnot? as opposed to the honourable way of focusing through the viewfinder.
... 🙄

 

[flip]

Lenses always look nice in the sweet spot.

 

[daveywaugh]

Interesting discussion. Maybe I have been sniffing too many chemicals too because I think the OP makes an interesting (and valid) point. Some posts here are incredible patronising BTW - maybe I am being too sensitive but RFF is getting a bit touchy of late...

 

[gho]

This is not really a theoretical thread. By giving it a shot and trying it, you'll find out for yourself what results you get.

Hmm, you are right, why not turning this into a practical thread by trying it out and showing some pictures? 🙄

 

[venchka]

This discussion has given me a new appreciation of Mr. Winogrand.

 

[emraphoto]

i zone focus a lot and actually like that 'look' i reckon ebino is trying to talk about. what is it? blurry? sometimes it is... sometimes the particular moment is a little blurry? a peek? i don't know how to define it really but it often is what i am after.

is it cheating? not so sure i buy into any of the rules and definitions really. i know what i want/like and thats all that matters.

 

[gho]

This discussion has given me a new appreciation of Mr. Winogrand.

Same here! "Women are beautiful" can be seen here in Berlin until tomorrow. Without this thread I would not have noticed that.

 

[mel]

The term is "Scale Focusing", and the "Hyperfocal Distance" is the range that will be acceptably sharp (distance because it is a range defined as the max minus minimum for that lens, f-stop and focal setting).

In the example you provided at f16 on a 35mm, everything from 4 feet to infinity will be acceptably sharp. You might also scale focus a bit closer at 5' instead of 8' as shown, and then everything from 3' to 12' or so would be acceptably sharp.

Very helpful.

 

[ederek]

Very helpful.

Good mel. One clarification later noted is a more proper term is "Zone Focusing", as Hyperfocal specifically relates to objects at Infinity being in focus.

The Depth of Field indicators are very helpful, and I often use them.

Sometimes when focused on objects relatively close, I'll then move the focus further away using the scale until the original focus distance is at the minimum of the DOF range, thus maximizing the distant objects that are in focus while keeping the subject acceptably sharp.

Here's an example, where the swans are the main subject, but I wanted to keep as much of the distant background in focus as possible. Given the available light, I could only go up to f2.8 or so, as ISO and shutter speed were already at their preferred limits. I focused on the swans first, then looked down at the lens and moved the focus out further using the scale, but still keeping the swans in focus (their distance then sitting at the minimum end of the DOF scale for that aperture setting). I wasn't as concerned with keeping anything closer than the swans in focus.

Of course, I don't think any of the above comment relates to "The [choose your word] Hyperfocal Look..."