Depth of Field Question

[MeAgain]

I'm sure this is posted in the wrong place but I looked high and low to figure out where it went with no luck. So, I figured here is better than any place else.

I use a Canon T1i with a Canon IS 18-55mm zoom lens. IS is on

No matter where I set the aperture, my background is always soft. f5.6 is softer than f32 but f32 should not be soft at all. I am of course assuming user error I just don't know where I'm going wrong. It's been a struggle for quite some time now. I want to be able to take clear landscape shots but it's impossible with this issue.

Below are my examples and my EXIF data:



1066×1600 pixels – 143KB
Filename: f5.6.jpg
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
ISO: 200
Exposure: 1/750 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Focal Length: 55mm



Mar 27, 2011
1213×1600 pixels – 212KB
Filename: f8.5.jpg
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
ISO: 200
Exposure: 1/45 sec
Aperture: 19.0
Focal Length: 55mm



Mar 27, 2011
1600×887 pixels – 156KB
Filename: f10.5.jpg
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS REBEL T1i
ISO: 200
Exposure: 1/20 sec
Aperture: 38.0
Focal Length: 55mm


Any suggestions welcomed. I'm a noob but I want to get better. I seems to be stuck here.

Oh, and Mr/Ms Moderator, if this is the wrong spot I'm so sorry!

[scootermcq]

You are so close to the subject, that the focus is sooooo short, the background will be defocused. Try backing away from the subject and try again.

Also, google for a DOF calculator and it will help you plug in the numbers and find where you can get from the subject to infinity into focus.

[MeAgain]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

You are so close to the subject, that the focus is sooooo short, the background will be defocused. Try backing away from the subject and try again.

Also, google for a DOF calculator and it will help you plug in the numbers and find where you can get from the subject to infinity into focus.

Ah! So if I back up the backgroud comes into focus?

yeah, I'm a dummy

Thanks!

I will Google DOF calculators.

[SusanH1970]

Hyperfocal Distance and Depth of Field Calculator - DOFMaster

[MeAgain]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Hyperfocal Distance and Depth of Field Calculator - DOFMaster

Awesome! Thanks!

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by MeAgain

Awesome! Thanks!

You're welcome! That was a lifesaver for me when I was first trying to figure out DOF, and I still use it quite often.

[UlpilotSC]

Originally Posted by MeAgain

Ah! So if I back up the backgroud comes into focus?

yeah, I'm a dummy

Thanks!

I will Google DOF calculators.

Don't forget the "dof preview" button on the side of the camera... Under the lens release button. It will temporarily close the aperture so you can see exactly what your DOF will look like. I have the same camera.