How can I set hyperfocal focus with a Nikon 35mm f/1.8G if it has no distance scale?
Asked 2/16/2014
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I’m using a Nikon D7000 with the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G. I understand the idea of hyperfocal distance, but this lens doesn’t have a clear infinity mark or depth-of-field scale like older manual-focus lenses. Can this lens still be focused at infinity and at the hyperfocal distance? If so, what’s the most practical way to do it on a lens without those markings?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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So, there's actually two separate concepts here: focusing at infinity, and the hyperfocal distance. Focused at infinity means basically what it says: a theoretical object infinitely far away would be in focus. The hyperfocal distance is the distance at which you would focus the lens in order to get the maximum apparent depth of field. This is usually closer than infinity, simply because if you go all the way out to infinity, near objects are less focused.
Your lens, as almost all modern lenses, can do both of these things. (Some specialized macro lenses are the only reasonable exception... well, or else adapted lenses from other systems.) But they aren't the same thing.
Unfortunately, it's hard to identify the hyperfocal distance on a lens without a distance scale and a long throw (which means the scale has enough detail to be meaningful). Plus, hyperfocal dependent on the aperture, and the degree of blur you are willing to accept as "in focus". Most people focus a third of the way to the horizon and call that close enough. (Maybe in combination with the DoF preview or some test shots.)
These prior questions should provide you with some good background:
- What is "Hyperfocal Distance"?
- How can I take photographs with a large depth of field without diffraction?
- How can I get maximum DoF with no distance markers?
And if you'd like to become especially confused over the technicalities of blur, see:
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
12y ago
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Yes. Your lens can focus at infinity and it can be focused to the hyperfocal distance; those are different things.
- Infinity focus means the lens is focused on very distant subjects.
- Hyperfocal focus means you focus closer than infinity so that infinity is just within the far limit of depth of field, maximizing apparent depth of field.
The lack of an ∞ mark does not prevent either one. It only makes precise manual setting harder.
With a lens that has no useful distance/DOF scale, the practical method is:
- Choose your aperture.
- Find the hyperfocal distance from a chart or calculator.
- Estimate or measure an object at that distance.
- Focus on that object, then recompose and shoot.
That’s the simplest reliable approach on modern lenses like this. Older manual-focus lenses made this easier because they often included both distance and depth-of-field scales.
For many landscape situations, a practical alternative is simply to stop down and focus somewhere short of infinity, checking the result if possible, rather than trying to set the exact hyperfocal distance mechanically.
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AI12y ago
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