DoF scale on lens

[Dolby]

I'm aware some articles are more clear than others when it comes to terms - so wonder if anyone has an idiots guide for me? :/

I've got no idea how to read this http://mybroadband.co.za/photos/showphoto.php/photo/23464/title/dof/cat/500 ... and why there are TWO aperture settings :/

In this picture at F5.6 - am I focused on 2m or inifinty?

 

[hilton]

I would say neither.

 

[swift412]

You're focused at the point of the longer line in between 2 and infinity, while everything from just before 2m up until infinity (the two lines for your current aperture) are in your DoF.

If you're focusing using hyperfocal distance, you want to focus until the infinity sign lines up with the right hand aperture mark, since then everything up to infinity will be in focus

If there are any red marks on your DoF scale, those are if you're using an infra red filter which alters your focus.

On a side note, I can't remember whether or not using a full-frame or cropped sensor might affect the DoF scale hmm...

 

[Dolby]

Thanks swift.

If I manual focus onto a wall about metres back, it reaches infinity before its clear though :/

Wonder if the lens is faulty?

Need to use it in the day to test

 

[bwana]

Thanks swift.

If I manual focus onto a wall about metres back, it reaches infinity before its clear though :/

Wonder if the lens is faulty?

Need to use it in the day to test

Does the lens focus accurately? That's all you need to worry about.

 

[Dolby]

It's accurate - and pretty sharp.

I've just taken two photos with my 18-55 (at 29mm) and the 28mm - both at 5.6 - manual focused on a bird about 50m away.

On the LCD screen (zoomed) it seemed the 18-55mm was much better focused and the 28mm went as far as infinity ... which was just out of focus. But on the PC zooming up to the bird, they look almost identical ... urgh.

 

[bwana]

It's accurate - and pretty sharp.

I've just taken two photos with my 18-55 (at 29mm) and the 28mm - both at 5.6 - manual focused on a bird about 50m away.

On the LCD screen (zoomed) it seemed the 18-55mm was much better focused and the 28mm went as far as infinity ... which was just out of focus. But on the PC zooming up to the bird, they look almost identical ... urgh.

Why are you using manual focusing?

 

[Dolby]

Makes me feel great turning the little dial at the end

... but aside from that, it seemed more accurate than the AF - especially the 19 point which picks picks up surroundings?

Perhaps I should do a side by side comparison when I'm more bored ...

 

[bwana]

Makes me feel great turning the little dial at the end

... but aside from that, it seemed more accurate than the AF - especially the 19 point which picks picks up surroundings?

Perhaps I should do a side by side comparison when I'm more bored ...

Consider Chapter 4, specifically pgs 87 onwards, of your manual.

 

[Dolby]

Alright ... I'll whip it out and read.

But if it's about the other modes, I do know them. I'll give them all a try