Understanding & Calculating Relative Depth of Field
Have you ever wanted to compare the depth of field of two different lenses?
I am going to share a very simple formula with you in this article that will help you understand the relative depth of field between two lenses.
For example, you may want to know the relative depth of field between two lenses at portrait distance.
The formula is simple: Relative Depth of Field = (f1/f2)2. Where f1 is lens one, and f2 is lens 2.
Let's work through an example. A 50mm lens compared to a 300mm lens would be (300/50)2 = 36. This means the relative depth of field for a 50mm lens is 36 times greater than a 300mm lens at the same aperture and distance. The key is understanding that we are making these calculations for the same aperture and distance.
Remember the time when lens makers put the depth of field scales directly on the lens?
I think this is why I love the older film small-format cameras. I loved the old lenses because I knew the hyperlocal distance at a glance (the closest distance that appears sharp when the lens is focused at infinity).
Give this a try in your style of photography and then let me know how you are applying this knowledge to your style and genre.
| If you like this article, join thousands of other photographers around the world and subscribe to our Free Analog Photography Journal. Tim Jr and I work hard to bring you interesting and helpful original content for analog photographers that you won't see anywhere else. All of the tips, articles, tutorials, and videos that we create are made right in our darkroom that we personally built. |
NEW ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY
If you like the information in this article, then you will love being part of my new Analog Photography Community where we share additional member only details in addition to creating exclusive video tutorials, and detailed articles every week to help analog photographers take their creative vision and technical skills to a higher level.
ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHY LAUNCHPAD
TRAINING FOR ANALOG PHOTOGRAPHERS
Read Testimonials from photographers and collectors from around the world.
Buy Your Photography, Video, & Technology Gear at No Additional Cost To You From B&H Photo
COLOR FILMS, DEVELOPERS, DARKROOM GEAR
Fujichrome Provia 100F - Fujichrome Velvia 100 - Fujichrome Velvia 50 - Kodak Portra 160 - Kodak Portra 400 - Kodak Ektar 100 - Fujicolor Pro 400H - Fujicolor Crystal Archive Silver Gelatin RA4 Paper - RA-4 Color Print Processing Developer & Processing Chemicals - Color Darkroom Enlargers
ILFORD B&W FILMS & DEVELOPERS
Ilford HP5 Plus- Ilford FP4 Plus - Ilford Delta 100 - Ilford Delta 400 - Ilford Delta 3200 - Ilford Pan F Plus - Ilford XP2 Super - Ilford SFX - Ilford ID-11 - Ilford DD-X - Ilford Microphen
KODAK B&W FILM DEVELOPERS
Kodak Tri-X - Kodak T-Max 100 - Kodak T-Max 400 - Kodak Portra 160 - Kodak Portra 400 - Kodak Ektar 100 - Kodak P-3200 - Kodak Ektachrome - Kodak D-76 - Kodak XTOL - Kodak HC-110
DARKROOM SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
Jobo CPP-3 processer - Ilford RC Pearl Paper - Ilford RC Glossy Paper - Ilford Multigrade Fiber Paper - Ilford Stop Bath - Ilford Rapid Fixer - Neutral Fixer - Kodak Photo-Flo - Hypo Clearing Agent - Darkroom Trays - Chemical Storage Jugs - Nitrile Gloves - Film Archival Storage Sleeves - Archival Storage Binder - Archival Print Storage Boxes
Note: I participate in affiliate programs where I earn a small commission on some select products that I provide links for on my website at www.timlaytonfineart.com. When you use these links, I earn a small commission and there is no additional charge to you.
Comments
Glad your posting more articles. I check in every couple of days.
