Distance scale & DOF scale

K

kabalman

Messages
57
Edit My Images
No
I have recently bought my first new lens for my Nikon D3000, which is a Nikon 50mm 1.8G AF-S. I have some questions on how to use the distance scale on the lens.
When do you actually use the distance scale? Since this lens auto-focuses on the D3000, do I need to set the distance scale to the approx distance of the subject before I auto-focus?
When do I set the distance scale to infinity?

Also what is the DOF (depth of field) scale? I don't understand what that is, and there doesn't appear to be one on the lens.

Would greatly appreciate to know the answers to these questions, and hopefully enhance my photography capabilities.
 
kabalman said:
I have recently bought my first new lens for my Nikon D3000, which is a Nikon 50mm 1.8G AF-S. I have some questions on how to use the distance scale on the lens.
When do you actually use the distance scale? Since this lens auto-focuses on the D3000, do I need to set the distance scale to the approx distance of the subject before I auto-focus?
When do I set the distance scale to infinity?

Also what is the DOF (depth of field) scale? I don't understand what that is, and there doesn't appear to be one on the lens.

Would greatly appreciate to know the answers to these questions, and hopefully enhance my photography capabilities.
Click to expand...

You never actually need to use the distance scale, especially if you just use AF. No need to set it approx. first either. It shows you the distance the subject the lens is currently focused on is away from you.

DoF scales show the limits of acceptable focus for a given f stop, at a given distance. So for example it may show that if you're focused on a subject 1.5 m away at f/11 anything from 1.2 to 1.8 meters away will be acceptably focused. At f/16 for the same subject anything from 1 to 2 meters away may be acceptably focused. With digital cameras, and DoF preview buttons then its my opinion I wouldn't lose sleep over not having one
 
Thanks boyfalldown. That makes the distance scale clearer. So you mainly use this when you focus manually and pre-setting this close to the distance you want to focus on helps you to get the focus spot on quicker, is that right?

As far as the DoF scale is concerned, where is it that I can see the distances between which the focus is acceptable at the current aperture setting? Is this visible somewhere, like on the viewfinder/LCD screen? And is it only in certain cameras that you can see this? Mine is the entry level DSLR, so wondering if I can see it on mine.
 
kabalman said:
Thanks boyfalldown. That makes the distance scale clearer. So you mainly use this when you focus manually and pre-setting this close to the distance you want to focus on helps you to get the focus spot on quicker, is that right?
Click to expand...

I have to admit I never use it at all. I view it nowadays as an interesting but not really needed thing. Others will jump on me for that comment.

kabalman said:
As far as the DoF scale is concerned, where is it that I can see the distances between which the focus is acceptable at the current aperture setting? Is this visible somewhere, like on the viewfinder/LCD screen? And is it only in certain cameras that you can see this? Mine is the entry level DSLR, so wondering if I can see it on mine.
Click to expand...

You can see it it one of two ways, oct cameras had a DoF preview button and this is normally on the right hand side of the lens on the front of the camera. Press it and your viewfinder will darken as the appeture closes, and you'll also be able to see the actual DoF you'll get. The other way is to chimp, simply look on the screen at the back of the camera after you take the photo. If you like hat you see all good, if you don't try to work out why and take the photo again. Great thing about digital, instant gratification ;) and it costs nothing a photograph
 
The distance scale is useful for maximising depth of field where either you have no item to focus on (it might make it easier to set the hyperfocal distance for a landscape) or if you wanted to prefocus in advance of an event happening at a predictable distance. Either way, you'd combine the focus distance with the depth of field scale to know what part of the scene in front of you would be focussed.

If there is a DOF scale, it will be on the lens. It's getting unusual to see DOF scales on modern lenses.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top