Finding the Hyperfocal distance is important in photography when you want to maximize the ‘depth of field’ (DOF). I use this technique very often because I like for my photos to be very sharp and have the maximum depth of field.
There is a great online resource that will help you calculate the Hyperfocal distance at any lens aperature. DOF printable charts http://www.dofmaster.com/files/charts/samplecharts.pdf.
To find the hyperfocal distance, you need to know 1) the focal distance of the lens you are using (eg~ 50mm) and 2) the current or desired aperature setting of the lens. By using the previous chart, you can find the ‘hyperfocal distance’. This is the distance at which you want to focus your lens, to have the maximum DOF for that aperature setting.
Example, referring to the chart above, I have 35mm film camera. My lens is 50mm and I like to use an aperature setting of f/22. According to the chart for 35mm cameras, at 50mm and f/22 the hyperfocal distance is about 12ft. That means I need to focus my camera an an object that is 12ft away. Everything from -half- the hyperfocal distance, 6ft, to infinity, will be infocus and sharp.
There is an easy trick to do this. If your lens has a distance meter on top, just turn the focus so that Infinity matches with the aperature setting you are using. So, if you are shooting at f/11 then turn the lens so Inifity lines up with f/11 on the lens. Then set your aperature and shoot.
Depth of Field @ 50mm f/22
