How accurate are depth of field calculations?
DOF calculations are remarkably good estimates of the subjective depth of field in photographs. However, you shouldn’t expect to get highly accurate results from the calculations. To ensure that you get enough depth of field in a photograph, stop down an extra stop. For example, calculate the depth of field at f/11, but set the f-stop on the lens to f/16. Use a tripod whenever possible to prevent camera shake. John Shaw says that “depth of field refers to the section of a photograph, from the nearest to the furthermost points from the camera, which appears to be in sharp focus.” Camera shake reduces that zone of sharp focus. • What is hyperfocal distance? See the Hyperfocal Distance Guide. • Is the ‘subject distance’ measured from the front of the lens or from the film plane? This question is relevant only for close-up and macro photography. For other photography, any error caused by measuring subject distance from the wrong location is neglible. The depth of field equations are derive
