Photography – Depth of field calculation?

Is there a quick rule of thumb for working out the depth of field for a given aperture focal length and focus distance? I know some prime lenses have a little scale on them (my Nikon 18-200 zoom doesn’t), and whilst there are some on-line calculators, that’s not especially helpful in the middle of nowhere!

Just something I’ve been struggling a little with trying some close up stuff – trying to get the full depth of the subject in focus, then leaving the rest of the image soft. Currently ending up with far too narrow a d.o.f, despite what feels like relatively small apertures.

Thanks!

There is at least one iPhone app….

This may help…print off your own d.o.f scales.

http://www.dofmaster.com/custom.html

never used it myself though

Sensor size also factors in. I trust ur camera body has no DOF preview function?

Fotosharp used to do a slider table that was handy, u may be able to download a template.

Remember as well that at any given aperture acceptable field of focus extends 1/3 in front and 2/3 behind the focus point so does pay to forward focus slightly.

And lastly, lens can (and alot do) front or back focus, this can be compensated for with primes but very difficult without body / lens calibration for zooms.

Grum – not *quite* everybody has an iphone (yet)!

gwaelod. That looks quite interesting. Will have a download and a play.

MM – D5000, so no DoF preview button.