Nikon Elw instruction manual Depth of Field, Depth-of-field scale

DEPTH OF FIELD

Depth of field refers to a zone within which blur (or lack of definition) will be negligible and everything can be accepted as being in sharp focus. Depth of field extends a greater distance behind the subject in focus than in front . It depends on two factors- reproduction ratio and aperture. The smaller the aperture and the greater the reproduction ratio, the greater the depth of field. By carefully considering the desired pers- pective and reproduction ratio, as well as available f-stops, full control of the depth of field is achievable.

Depth-of-field scale

The depth of field can be read from the color-coded scale engraved on the lens. The pairs of colored lines correspond to f/numbers of the same color. To find the depth of field at a particular aperture, first focus on the subject. Then check the numbers on the distance scale opposite the colored lines which correspond to the color of aperture 10 find the depth of field at that aperture.

For example, f/16 on the aperture ring of the 50 mm f/l.4 lens is blue. With the lens prefocused at 17 feet (5 m) the numbers on the distance scale opposite the blue lines show that the depth of field extends from 9 feet to infinity (00).

Remember that smaller apertures, although rendering a greater depth of field," require slower shutter speeds. Consider both factors carefully before shooting, and always focus accurately.

Lens at f/2 small depth of field

Lens at f/11 larger depth of field

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