Can't get to grips with Hypefocal

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albertdong

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I'm trying to work out exactly how this works.

I understand the concept behind hyperfocal but it's the process of putting it into action that' confusing me.

If during composition I focus on a point 15ft in front of me with the camera configured to use a single focus point.

How do I then compose the rest of picture without losing that focus point?

Do I keep the shutter release half pressed whilst composing or is this what I should be using the AF-L button on the back of the camera for?

Thanks for any advice....
 
I have a D5000 , soon to be replaced with D7000:clap:, but yes, in the D5000 I assign the ae/af lock button to set the focus, press this without touching the shutter and the camera focuses. Keep the button pressed ( on D5000) and recompose, when ready push the shutter.

On the D7000, you can focus as normal, then flick the little switch next to lens to switch to manual ( i think ), then recompose and the camera wont try to re-focus.

I have an app on my android to calculate hyperfocal, the hardest bit is to judge the distance :lol:
 
The easiest way is to download the hyperfocal distance charts and set your camera to manual, its a simple as that.
cheers
Darryl.
 
albertdong said:
I'm trying to work out exactly how this works.

I understand the concept behind hyperfocal but it's the process of putting it into action that' confusing me.

If during composition I focus on a point 15ft in front of me with the camera configured to use a single focus point.

How do I then compose the rest of picture without losing that focus point?

Do I keep the shutter release half pressed whilst composing or is this what I should be using the AF-L button on the back of the camera for?

Thanks for any advice....
Click to expand...

Assuming you have a table to tell you where the hyperfocal distance is (it varies with both focal length and aperture) then it sounds like you're doing it right.

Once you've got the hang of it, it's easy to just focus, hold that with first pressure on the shutter release, recompose and shoot.

But if you need more time, then you must find some way to lock the focus. Either use AF lock (back button?) or focus in AF and then switch the lens to manual so it doesn't change.
 
Use back button focus. Once mastered, you will never change back.
 
Back button or manual focussing. Manual might be easier to get the hyperfocal distance as you can just use the distance scale if you have one.
 
Using centre-point AF is easiest.

Decide nearest point you want to be in focus. Estimate that (usually easy because it will be close) and then double* it. That is your hyperfocal distance, so focus on a point at that distance and lock that position.

Refer to HFD table and find what aperture you need to cover that distance, at the focal length you're using. Done.

*HFD is always exactly double the point of nearest sharp focus.
 
Thanks so much folks....I suppose I tend to get tunnel vision with autofocus and all it's options and complexities that good old manual focus tends to get a bit forgotten.

I'll give your tips a shot at the weekend.

Much as I love the D7000 as a first DSLR I have to say the learning curve is pretty steep.
 
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