DOF Issues

[majkid]

Confusion over DOF.
I have recently taken several landscape shots where the detail in the far distance is un-sharp. The settings I used on the camera (5D) were: Focal Length 55mm, F-stop f22, Subject distance approx 200m. The camera was mounted on a tripod and a remote shutter release was used to cut down on camera shake. I focused on an area about 100m into the scene. Can anyone explain the reason why the detail in the far distance was not as sharp as in the rest of the image? I’m sorry but I can’t up load the images at present as I am at work and my camera is 50 miles north of here. :)
In an effort to understand DOF I checked out the DOFMASTER on line DOF Calculator. Two questions. a) There is no choice for the Canon 5D just the 5d Mark II. Are the calculations for the Mark 2 compatible for the Mark 1? b). Can anyone explain ‘Hyperfocal’ distance?

Thanks

Mike

[USER876]

What lens were you using? F22 is a bit extreme, and not really the best place to be for optimum sharpness.

At the distances u mentioned @ 55mm, you could of been at around F11 and only the first 30' or so would of been outside the "in focus" plane.

As for the soft details in the distance, sounds like a lens issue (that I have experienced too). Is it OOF or just "soft." Does sharpening help?

BTW, when using that calculator 5d and 5dMII are the same.....full frame.

[WaltA]

According to Wikipedia ......

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In optics and photography, hyperfocal distance is a distance beyond which all objects can be brought into an "acceptable" focus. There are two commonly used definitions of hyperfocal distance, leading to values that differ only slightly:

Definition 1: The hyperfocal distance is the closest distance at which a lens can be focused while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp; that is, the focus distance with the maximum depth of field. When the lens is focused at this distance, all objects at distances from half of the hyperfocal distance out to infinity will be acceptably sharp.

Definition 2: The hyperfocal distance is the distance beyond which all objects are acceptably sharp, for a lens focused at infinity.

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Although pros (like Bryan Peterson) suggest taking landscape photos in F22, it is a fact that each lens has its own "sweet spot". Through testing, you'll find that your lens may take the sharpest pictures at F10 or F11.

[USER876]

What is hte advantage of taking a pic at f22 if f11 will give u the depth of field that you want? Just wondering why the "pro's" recommend that.

[deletedpenguin]

Hmm, interesting. I've always shot at the "sweet spot" when shooting landscapes. Plus, I'm sure I've got dust all over my sensor, so I don't want my shots to look like they've got the chicken pox.