Depth of field notes for FF users (using Nikon lenses as an example)
Using thin DOF in certain situations is an important artistic tool for me. Conversely, making sure that DOF is large enough for architecture and landscapes is also important.
Most people's eyes glass over when talking about circle of confusions, hyperfocal distances, etc.
So I have collected here some very rough comparisons to assist with choosing flocal length and aperture mainly for myself, but other folk might find it useful
Firstly, at the maximum aperture of some common prime lens focal length, how much DOF do we have ?
Assumption: Subject distance is 15ft or 4.57m
20mm f2.8 429.00ft 129.00m
28mm f1.8 10.30ft 3.13m
35mm f1.4 4.83ft 1.47m
50mm f1.8 2.93ft 0.89m
50mm f1.4 2.32ft 0.71m
60mm f2.8 3.23ft 0.98m
85mm f1.8 1.00ft 0.30m
85mm f1.4 0.79ft 0.24m
What is the smallest aperture where the far limit for DOF is infinite ?
Assumption: Subject distance is 15ft or 4.57m
20mm f3.2
24mm f4.5
28mm f6.4
35mm f10
50mm f19
60mm f27
85mm f64
Of course the interesting point is how massively the DOF changes from 28mm to 50mm, effectively from massive to tiny!
I recommend further reading:
General:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/
http://www.dofmaster.com/
Specific:
http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/depth-of-field.htm
http://www.dofmaster.com/dofjs.html
