PhotoPrepHow it works
Enter focal length in millimetres, aperture, circle of confusion and subject distance. This thin-lens model estimates acceptable sharpness rather than a hard boundary. A smaller circle of confusion demands stricter sharpness. Distances are measured from the lens principal plane; macro magnification, pupil ratio, diffraction and lens-specific behavior are excluded.
Example
At 50 mm, f/4, 3 m and a 0.03 mm circle of confusion, the hyperfocal distance is about 20.88 m. Focusing at the hyperfocal distance puts the far limit at infinity and the near limit at half that distance.
References
Edmund Optics — Focal length and field of view · Nikon — Exposure · Cambridge in Colour — Depth of field
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are the calculations?
Enter focal length in millimetres, aperture, circle of confusion and subject distance. This thin-lens model estimates acceptable sharpness rather than a hard boundary. A smaller circle of confusion demands stricter sharpness. Distances are measured from the lens principal plane; macro magnification, pupil ratio, diffraction and lens-specific behavior are excluded.
Where is my shot list stored?
Create an establishing view, a main subject and a detail shot. Load example appends three editable shots. Up to 200 shots are saved in this browser; changing devices or clearing browser data will not preserve them. Export regularly if the plan matters.