DOF in macro lenses?

n1as · 24th of March 2008 (Mon)

Silly question here, but is there a difference in DOF between short and long focal length macro lenses?

I'm assuming my 60mm macro lens will give more DOF at 1:1 f/16 than a 100mm lens would at the same magnification and aperture.

True of false?

LordV · 24th of March 2008 (Mon)

Basically false - you get the same DOF at the same aperture and magnification. The only real difference between them is the FOV angle which can make shorter macro lenses have more recognisable OOF elements and longer ones a smoother bokeh.

Brian V.

ben_r_ · 24th of March 2008 (Mon)

It will also give you a greater working distance from your subject, but yea same DOF...

n1as · 24th of March 2008 (Mon)

Really, ea? Same DOF at the same magnification? I'll have to ponder that a bit.

think ... think ... think

So what that says is that the shorter lens, which would normally produce more DOF, needs to be closer to the subject to get the same magnification, and moving closer means DOF gets smaller. Something like that I suppose.

egordon99 · 24th of March 2008 (Mon)

The reason the DOF is the same, is you have to get CLOSER to the object when you are using a shorter focal length lens (to achieve the same 1:1 magnification)

gasrocks · 24th of March 2008 (Mon)

Only other thing (not mentioned) that changes with focal length (working distance) is prespective.

24th of March 2008 (Mon)	#1
n1as Goldmember Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: VT Posts: 2,110 IMAGE EDITING OK	DOF in macro lenses? Silly question here, but is there a difference in DOF between short and long focal length macro lenses? I'm assuming my 60mm macro lens will give more DOF at 1:1 f/16 than a 100mm lens would at the same magnification and aperture. True of false? __________________ - Keith - http://darwinphoto.zenfolio.com

24th of March 2008 (Mon)	#2
LordV Macro Photo-Lord of the Year 2006 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Worthing UK Posts: 45,945 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: DOF in macro lenses? Basically false - you get the same DOF at the same aperture and magnification. The only real difference between them is the FOV angle which can make shorter macro lenses have more recognisable OOF elements and longer ones a smoother bokeh. Brian V. __________________ http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordv/ http://www.lordv.smugmug.com/ Macro Hints and tips http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=807056 Canon 20D, Canon 40D, Canon 5D mk2, Sigma 105mm EX macro, Tamron 90mm macro, Canon MPE-65,18-55 kit lens X2, canon 200mm F2.8 L, Tamron 28-70mm xrdi, Other assorted bits

24th of March 2008 (Mon)	#3
ben_r_ -POTN's Three legged Support- Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 15,524 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: DOF in macro lenses? It will also give you a greater working distance from your subject, but yea same DOF... __________________ [ Gear List \| Flickr \| My Reviews ] /\|\ Tripod Leg Protection /\|\  GIVE a man a fish and he'll eat for a day. TEACH a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime.

24th of March 2008 (Mon)	#4
n1as Goldmember Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: VT Posts: 2,110 IMAGE EDITING OK	Re: DOF in macro lenses? Really, ea? Same DOF at the same magnification? I'll have to ponder that a bit. think ... think ... think So what that says is that the shorter lens, which would normally produce more DOF, needs to be closer to the subject to get the same magnification, and moving closer means DOF gets smaller. Something like that I suppose. __________________ - Keith - http://darwinphoto.zenfolio.com

24th of March 2008 (Mon)	#5
egordon99 Cream of the Crop Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Philly 'burbs Posts: 9,881	Re: DOF in macro lenses? The reason the DOF is the same, is you have to get CLOSER to the object when you are using a shorter focal length lens (to achieve the same 1:1 magnification)

24th of March 2008 (Mon)	#6
gasrocks Cream of the Crop Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portage, Wisconsin USA Posts: 12,484	Re: DOF in macro lenses? Only other thing (not mentioned) that changes with focal length (working distance) is prespective. __________________ GEAR LIST http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...&postcount=842

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