Infinity Focusing
Some landscape photographers prefer to set the
focus at infinity (∞). Their rationale is that specific
details, like iris flowers, appear smaller and smaller the
greater the distance. Therefore, they want the very best
resolution at infinity (∞).
An advantage of this approach is that it is simple. The
focus can be put in manual mode and set at infinity.
The disadvantage is shown in the next table, which
was also created with the previously mentioned app. The
closest focus is about twice the distance as when using
hyperfocal focusing. Which of the two focus approaches
you choose, therefore, is influenced by the closeness of
the nearest features to be included in the photo.
The next photo is an example of infinity focusing.
A variation on infinity focusing is to simply focus
on the farthest irises or on the trees and shrubs in the
background.
Focusing at Infinity
Focal
Length
mm
Aperature Focus
Distance
Closest
Focus
ft.
18 f/8 ∞ 7.06
18 f/16 ∞ 3.53
24 f/8 ∞ 12.55
24 f/16 ∞ 6.26
Give the three focus strategies a try to determine
which ones you like the best. After you snap a shot,
review it on the camera LCD under magnification to
check that all features of the scene are sharp. If not,
make the necessary corrections, and snap again.
d
Infinity Focusing: Summers Garden, 2018 Siberian and Species Convention; Focal length 18 mm, f/16, 1/160 sec, ISO 250
18 AIS Bulletin Winter 2019