Depth of field Calcs?

SouthwestSnapper · #1 (**permalink**) 11-12-2010, 08:29 PM

Hey there all, because my brain is feeble can you guys let me know what DOF calculators you guys use. Is there a free good one for the 550D size chip for Iphone that any of you guys use?? I have found a good on-line one (Mendip Wildlife Photography) here but was wondering about what one you guys use in the field as it were???

Im sat here planning tomorrows photos and would help if i had a DOF calc in my pocket when im out and about too...

peace all luv SWS

Lacerta · #2 (**permalink**) 12-12-2010, 09:53 AM

Hi SWS

I personally don't use a Dof calculator and never have, determining dof has been done by trial and error, through familiarisation with the lens/camera combination and looking at what other f stops, people have used in the circumstances I intend to shoot.

As most of my photography is macro, I set the aperture to f16 and ISO to 100 prior to going out, this is my benchmark if you like and then make adjustments in the field. The reason being that aperture is only one variable that needs to be taken into account and other factors such as available light and wind may mean a completely different approach needs to be taken.

As a good starting point prior to taking an image you will be to see in the viewfinder what is in focus and what is not, based on the aperture wide open for the lens, then select the Depth of Field Preview button which closes the aperture down to the selected setting, you should be able to determine how much true dof you have got.

You mention Mendip Wildlife Photography, but I have not added a dof calculator for the reasons mentioned above, but do give details of the settings I have used, I assume that is what you mean.

I don't know if there is a app for calculating dof, but there is a couple of good online one's that take into account quite a few factors, see below.

Online Depth of Field Calculator

Hope this helps.

SouthwestSnapper · #3 (**permalink**) 12-12-2010, 08:35 PM

Yeah thanks for that, I was planning my shot the night before in the spare room and did indeed use the DOF guide online you mentioned. I found it useful to know exactly if i was looking at a 2cm or a 3.5cm DOF from the distance i had determined a small bird would fill my frame using my 200mm which is 192cm if anyone is interested..

i then when on to work out my fill flash settings with a diffuser using a stand in bird (read cup) ...i did find it really helpful to know exactly what each Fstop would give me regarding DOF.. I cant really use the DOF preview as im on APS chip size and the viewfinder is fairly useless on small apertures I find.

I was after a full frame portrait and only have my old nikkon 200mm from the 1960's so thought it would be a good idea to work some things out prior to taken my camera out and just pressing buttons...

I didn't get very much time today to shoot, but did get 2 frames of my little robin and feel that one is exactly the shot i set out to take today..so really pleased and feel the res of the old cheap lens i have is very impressive...well im pleased anyway....so thanks everyone for the help so far..

p