Depth of Field Calculator

Hyperfocal distance equals f squared divided by N times C, plus f. Near limit equals u times H minus f, divided by H plus u minus 2f. Far limit equals u times H minus f, divided by H minus u.

Depth of Field =

2.04 ft

Hyperfocal Distance

97.8 ft

Near Limit

9.08 ft

Far Limit

11.1 ft

Total DoF

2.04 ft
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Hyperfocal Distance

The hyperfocal distance is the closest focus distance at which objects at infinity still appear acceptably sharp. When you focus at the hyperfocal distance, everything from half that distance to infinity falls within the depth of field. Landscape photographers use this to maximize sharpness throughout an entire scene.

H = f² / (N × C) + f

Near Limit (Dn)

The near limit is the closest distance from the camera where objects still appear acceptably sharp. Objects closer than this distance will appear blurred. The near limit moves closer as you stop down to smaller apertures.

Dn = u × (H − f) / (H + u − 2f)

Far Limit (Df)

The far limit is the farthest distance from the camera where objects still appear acceptably sharp. When focusing at or beyond the hyperfocal distance, the far limit extends to infinity (∞), meaning everything to the horizon appears sharp.

Df = u × (H − f) / (H − u)

How It Works

Depth of field (DoF) is the distance between the nearest and farthest objects in a scene that appear acceptably sharp in a photograph. A camera lens can only focus precisely on one plane, but there is a range around that plane where objects still look sharp to the human eye. This apparent sharpness is defined by the circle of confusion (CoC) — the maximum size of a blur spot that still looks like a point to a viewer. Three factors control depth of field: aperture (wider apertures like f/1.8 produce shallower DoF), focal length (longer lenses compress DoF), and subject distance (closer subjects have thinner DoF).

Example Problem

You're shooting a portrait with an 85mm lens at f/1.8 on a full-frame camera. Your subject is standing 8 feet (about 2,438 mm) away. CoC = 0.030 mm.

  1. Hyperfocal distance: H = 85² / (1.8 × 0.030) + 85 = 134,028 mm ≈ 440 ft
  2. Near limit: Dn = 2438 × (134028 − 85) / (134028 + 2438 − 170) ≈ 2,394 mm ≈ 7.85 ft
  3. Far limit: Df = 2438 × (134028 − 85) / (134028 − 2438) ≈ 2,483 mm ≈ 8.15 ft
  4. Total DoF: 2483 − 2394 = 89 mm ≈ 0.30 ft (3.6 inches)

With only about 3.6 inches of depth of field, you need precise focus on your subject's eyes. This razor-thin DoF is what creates the creamy background blur (bokeh) that portrait photographers love.

Key Concepts

The circle of confusion (CoC) is the largest blur spot on a camera sensor that still appears as a sharp point when the image is printed or displayed at normal viewing distance. Canon uses specific CoC constants for each sensor format: 0.030 mm for full-frame, 0.019 mm for APS-C, and 0.023 mm for APS-H. A larger sensor produces shallower depth of field than a smaller sensor at the same focal length, aperture, and framing because the larger sensor uses a larger CoC threshold and requires a longer focal length or closer distance to achieve equivalent framing.

Applications

  • Portraits — determine how thin your DoF will be at a given aperture and distance, ensuring sharp eyes with pleasing background blur
  • Landscape photography — find the hyperfocal distance to maximize sharpness from foreground to infinity without diffraction loss
  • Macro and close-up photography — at very close distances, DoF becomes extremely thin; knowing the exact range helps plan focus stacking
  • Video and filmmaking — cinematographers use DoF calculations to plan focus pulls and keep subjects within the sharp zone during movement
  • Lens comparison — compare the DoF characteristics of different focal lengths and apertures before purchasing or renting a lens

Common Mistakes

  • Stopping down too far (f/22+) for maximum DoF — diffraction at very small apertures reduces overall image sharpness
  • Confusing focal length crop factor with DoF change — a crop sensor doesn't change DoF at the same focal length and distance, only the framing changes
  • Ignoring the difference between sensor formats — full-frame at 50mm f/2.8 has different DoF than APS-C at 50mm f/2.8 when reframed to match
  • Assuming background blur (bokeh) is only about aperture — subject distance and focal length matter equally for background separation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is circle of confusion?

The circle of confusion (CoC) is the largest blur spot on a camera sensor that still appears as a sharp point to the human eye when the image is printed or displayed at normal viewing distance. It depends on sensor size — smaller sensors use a smaller CoC threshold because the image must be magnified more to reach the same print size.

How does aperture affect depth of field?

A wider aperture (lower f-number like f/1.8) produces a shallower depth of field, isolating the subject from the background. A narrower aperture (higher f-number like f/16) produces a deeper depth of field, keeping more of the scene in focus. However, extremely small apertures (f/22 and beyond) can reduce overall sharpness due to diffraction.

What is hyperfocal distance?

The hyperfocal distance is the closest focus distance at which objects at infinity still appear acceptably sharp. When you focus at the hyperfocal distance, everything from half that distance to infinity falls within the depth of field. Landscape photographers use this technique to maximize sharpness throughout an entire scene.

Does sensor size affect depth of field?

Yes. A larger sensor (full-frame) produces shallower depth of field than a smaller sensor (APS-C) at the same focal length, aperture, and framing. This is because the larger sensor uses a larger CoC threshold and requires a longer focal length or closer distance to achieve the same framing, both of which reduce DoF.

Can depth of field be infinite?

Yes. When the subject is focused at or beyond the hyperfocal distance, the far limit of the depth of field extends to infinity. This means everything from the near limit to the horizon will appear sharp. This is common in landscape photography with wide-angle lenses at narrow apertures.

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