Depth of field scale
A scale on the lens that indicates how much of the subject, from the nearest to furthest point from the camera, will be in focus.
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Depth of field scale
Techniques Glossary Depth of field scale
A scale on the lens that indicates how much of the subject, from the nearest to furthest point from the camera, will be in focus.
DEPTH OF FIELD SCALE - Markings on the barrel of a lens that show the depth of field for a particular aperture and a particular focus setting.
Depth of field scale
Scale on a lens barrel showing the near and far limits of depth of field possible when the lens is set at any particular focus and aperture.
Figure 2: Depth of Field Scales
There are a number of options available to photographers for determining DOF.
To use your depth of field scales, focus on the farthest thing you want sharp. Note the distance on the scale. Focus on the nearest thing, and note its distance on the scale.
If your lens has a depth of field scale, set the focusing mark on the lens to the distance indicated below the f/stop selected. Do not re-focus the lens once the hyper-focal distance is set. It will be out of focus.
Depth of field scale appears to have been calculated for a 35mm actual (rather than equivalent) lens, making it distinctly conservative ...
Depth of field scale: Scales on a lens showing near and far limits of depth-of-field possible with a lens for various focal lengths, apertures and focusing distance.
These happen to be the "standard" assumptions most camera makers make when calibrating the depth of field scales on their lenses.
Some lenses (usually prime lenses) offer a Depth of Field Scale. This scale will show you how far the range of the DOF extends at a certain aperture. Although this is a good reference, it is normed.
You can accomplish this by using what is called the hyperfocal distance setting if your lens has a depth of field scale imprinted on it. This is an important "if" since many of today's lenses don't have a depth-of-field scale.
If your camera has a depth of field scale, here is how to do it. Focus your camera at infinity, note the distance on the camera's lens opposite the chosen aperture and set your lens at this hyperfocal distance.
Canon EF prime lenses also have simple depth of field scales marked on the barrel below the window.
Unfortunately many of today's lenses lack a depth of field scale and/or depth of field preview buttons.
This indicates the limitation of the depth of field scales commonly used: even a 8x10 looked closely won't appear critically sharp.
Short Focal Lengths
Long Focal Lengths
Depth of Field Preview
Depth of Field Scales
Minimum Focus Distance
OEM and 3rd Party Lenses
Older Lenses
Newer Lenses— Looking Down the Road
Lens Accessories ...
Depth-of-Field Preview A feature on advanced SLRs that closes the lens down to the actual taking aperture to enable you to see the picture's depth-of-field. Depth of Field Scale A scale on the lens barrel with the markings of f/stops and ...
The depth of field scale.
Hyperfocal distance.
Depth of field preview.
Depth of field and the view camera.
View cameras and the digital sensor
How to select the correct aperture & shutter speed for the job.
Keep in mind that a depth of field scale, either on the camera or on the lens, is for a given lens or lens focal length only. There is no universal depth-of-field scale that works for all lenses.
 See also: Lens, Scale, Depth of field, Focus, Depth of
  
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