Hyperfocal using nikon D80

[dimitrz]

Hi
can someone tell me if I can set the Hyperfocal distance or rather shoot using Hyperfocal in my Nikon D80

I have a Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

I would only be using these for mountain and lake scapes which would have a good distance of 500m to 1000m

If Hyperfocal can be set on my camera then how do I go about it – sorry I am complete novice on this and with my vacation to the mountains drawing ever closer a bit hysterical knowing that I dint have much time to learn the tricks of my new camera

Thanks

[dcclark]

The Hyperfocal distance is, by definition, the distance at which you focus so that everything from half of that distance, out to infinity, is in focus.

So to set the hyperfocal distance, you must:

1. Determine your desired focal length and f/stop.
2. Calculate the hyperfocal distance (for example, here).
3. Focus at that distance, with those settings.

[inkista]

Gonna be harder to use a hyperfocal distance accurately with the 18-55 VR, though, since the lens doesn't have a distance scale (unless you're really good at judging distances), so you may also just want to try a simplified method of just stopping down to f/16, and focusing a third of the way into the scene.

You may also want to acquaint yourself with the D80's DoF preview button. With modern SLRs, everything we see in the viewfinder is shown with the lens wide open. Even thought you've set an aperture, the lens is only stopped down to that aperture during the "mirror blackout" period as the picture is taken. The upshot of this is that the depth of field you see through the lens is NOT the depth of field you're going to get in the image if you're not shooting wide open. The DoF preview button will stop the lens down to the aperture you've set while you're looking through the viewfinder. The image you then see will be dimmer (smaller hole, less light), but accurate for DoF. That may be simpler than trying to do the hyperfocal thing.

Unfortunately, Nikon doesn't put a DoF preview button on the D40/D60/D5000, but the D80 has one.

[kencaleno]

Here is a chart I made showing hyperfocal distances for 18-55 and 70-300 nikkor lenses.
Regards, I printed these onto 6X4 photo paper to keep in camera bag. A tip If you want to get maximum depth from foreground to distance at 18mm setting-First go to pencil menu AE-L/AF-L set AF lock only - This enables you to lock focus by using AE-L/AF-L button on rear of camera Use F11 , focus on your feet, which is about 5 feet or 1.5 meters(when standing), then compose your shot and make the image pressing shutter button.Ken

[Steinar]

Originally Posted by kencaleno

Here is a chart I made showing hyperfocal distances for 18-55 and 70-300 nikkor lenses.
Regards, I printed these onto 6X4 photo paper to keep in camera bag. A tip If you want to get maximum depth from foreground to distance at 18mm setting-First go to pencil menu AE-L/AF-L set AF lock only - This enables you to lock focus by using AE-L/AF-L button on rear of camera Use F11 , focus on your feet, which is about 5 feet or 1.5 meters(when standing), then compose your shot and make the image pressing shutter button.Ken

I thought I could use that also, but found out that pressing the AE-/AF-L buttom I not only lock the focus but ....also the metering, and I do not think that is so fine if I wear black shoes -now I look for a way to only lock the focus ... or am I wrong here ?

[CaptainNH]

Originally Posted by Steinar

....also the metering, and I do not think that is so fine if I wear black shoes....

is there a market for 18% grey shoes?

[vandergus]

Originally Posted by Steinar

I thought I could use that also, but found out that pressing the AE-/AF-L buttom I not only lock the focus but ....also the metering, and I do not think that is so fine if I wear black shoes -now I look for a way to only lock the focus ... or am I wrong here ?

You should be able to change the behavior of the AE-L/AF-L button so that it only locks the focus and not the exposure. You'll have to dig in the menus a bit or break out your manual to find the exact method as it varies from camera to camera.

[Steinar]

Originally Posted by vandergus

You should be able to change the behavior of the AE-L/AF-L button so that it only locks the focus and not the exposure. You'll have to dig in the menus a bit or break out your manual to find the exact method as it varies from camera to camera.

Thank you, yes you are right -thank you - it is control f7 (D700), and there you can lock the focus only (AF-lock and say OK, then the buttom AE-/AF-buttom should only lock the focus), but

1) Nothing happens in the viewfinder, after that change ? (there was a sign "AE/AF" before I did that) , and

2) .. there is nothing to tell you if you now shall lock the focus by pressing and then unlock by pressing or it is only when you press (there was this opportunity before that change) - and whatever I do, nothing in the viewfinder.


?

Best from Denmark/Steinar

[dcclark]

I have a D40 (not D80), but when I use my AE/AF lock button, either AE-L or AF-L appears in the viewfinder, as you mention in #1. I believe that should keep happening for you.

[Steinar]

Originally Posted by dcclark

I have a D40 (not D80), but when I use my AE/AF lock button, either AE-L or AF-L appears in the viewfinder, as you mention in #1. I believe that should keep happening for you.

I have a D40 also, but it does not either - I am talking about assigning the buttom to AF-lock only - not the other assignments - here it does show up, whatever D700 or D40, but please try to get to the menu and assign it to AF-lock only for the buttom on the back - then nothing is in the viewfinder ??

There is a mistake, that I am doing something wrong, but I am not sure what.

But if you try the above assignment, please then let me know