Can you use zone focusing with a DSLR, and how do you do it?
Asked 6/22/2011
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I use a Canon 1000D and want to know whether zone focusing works on a DSLR. If it does, what is the practical way to set it up, especially if the lens may not have detailed distance or depth-of-field markings?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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If you have focus range markings for aperture settings, yes.
If you already know the possible ranges for a lens that doesn't have markings, you can use a DOF preview to see where your focal range is. IF that option isn't available to you, then you'll have to do practice shots until you understand the position on the focus ring for your best setting. If your lens does not have focus marks, then you'll really have to eyeball it!
Zone focus is a function of optics and the markings just make it easier on humans to do it faster.
The wikipedia page goes into great detail about how to read these markings: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_field#Obtaining_maximum_DOF
Edit: From the wiki article, here is the image that is used to show these marks:
On this lens the aperture is set to F11 (see the little dot above the 11 at the bottom of the image).
Just above that is a large white mark with 11's, 16's, and 22's on either side. These indicate the zone of focus for each f stop.
If you place your subject within these zones and set your focus dial somewhere in this range for the f-stop you're using, it will be in focus.
For this image, the distance scale shows that from about 2 meters to 1 meter will be in focus.
If your lens does not have the aperture scale with the focus marks, then you'll need to make these estimates with your eyes, noting what points are in the zone. You'll need to use your camera's depth of field preview function if available. If not, then you'll have to take a test picture and view that way.
Originally by user5675. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user5675
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. Zone focusing is not specific to rangefinders; it works with DSLRs too because it depends on lens optics and depth of field.
The easiest method is with a lens that has distance and depth-of-field markings. Set your aperture, then use those markings to place the near and far limits of acceptable focus around the zone you want.
If your lens lacks useful markings, it’s harder but still possible. You can:
- use depth-of-field preview, if your camera/lens setup provides it,
- learn the focus ring positions through practice shots,
- or estimate by eye.
A practical rule of thumb: focus slightly farther away than the nearest subject you want sharp. When stopped down, depth of field often extends roughly 1/3 in front of the focus point and 2/3 behind it (this is only a rough guide, especially at closer distances).
So, yes—DSLRs can be zone focused. It’s just much easier with manual-focus lenses that show distance and DOF scales.
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