Depth of field

[Riod]

My previous experience with an slr is the Pentax K-1000. My lenses had a depth of field scale which I used to my advantage. I could set a range knowing that any object in tha range would be in foucos.

Using the Digital Reble, without those depth of feild scales, how can I replicate the action of the lens on my K-1000?

Do I go manual and not touch the lens barell after I have focused on an object?

I want to shoot some martial arts and grappling activity that will be in a 12-25 foot range from the camera. I was very succesful with my K-100 in trapping some great action shots. I set at either 2.8 or 5.6 at 12 to 25 feet with flash at 1/60 seconds.

[robertwgross]

That is what the Depth of Field Preview button is for.

Set up the camera to shoot the subject, then press the Depth of Field Preview button. The viewfinder image should darken a little bit, but then you will see how much or how little of the image is in focus (at the active aperture).

---Bob Gross---

[RichardtheSane]

I bet the 300D AF could keep up with that sort of activity :)

[w10d]

riod wrote:
My lenses had a depth of field scale which I used to my advantage. I could set a range knowing that any object in tha range would be in foucos.


Unfortunately you have discovered the one big drawback with AF lenses :(

I assume the 300D's viewfinder is as small as the 10D's, making judging focus difficult enough, never mind DoF. Some EOS camera's have a DoF function which allows you to select 2 focus positions and the camera selects an aperture to provide the DoF. Unfortunately they changed this on the 10D, so the camera selects the focus points! Crazy idea, can't image it's ever much use.

I don't think there is a very practical solution to this, not sure if any Canon AF lenses have suitable markings, DoF tables are too cumbersome, you can go with your experience and try to check focus on the LCD, but it's a bit hit and miss...

[Riod]

Thanks for the hints and suggestions. I will have to ecperiment with this.

[scottbergerphoto]

riod wrote:
Thanks for the hints and suggestions. I will have to ecperiment with this.


Just a reminder that DOF is not distributed evenly. The DOF is 1/3 in front of and 2/3 behind your central point of focus. So adjust your central point based on what in the surround you want to be in focus.
Scott