Hyperfocal Distance
Focus distance that keeps everything from H/2 to infinity sharp.
Formula
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Example
f=24 mm, N=11, c=0.03: H ≈ 1.77 m
How it works
The hyperfocal distance is the nearest focus setting that lets a lens render distant objects acceptably sharp while also keeping the depth of field as deep as possible. It comes from the geometry of defocus blur: when the image of a point spreads to no more than the chosen circle of confusion, it is still perceived as sharp in the final image. The formula shows that longer focal lengths and larger apertures increase the required focus distance, while allowing a larger circle of confusion makes the acceptable sharpness range wider.
When to use it
Use this when you want maximum depth of field in landscape, architecture, or street photography and need to know where to set focus for the sharpest overall result. It is especially useful when foreground detail matters and you want everything from a nearby point to the horizon to look acceptably sharp.
Worked example, step by step
Given: f = 50 mm, N = 8, c = 0.02 mm Step 1: Square the focal length: f^2 = 50^2 = 2500 Step 2: Multiply aperture and circle of confusion: N c = 8 × 0.02 = 0.16 Step 3: Divide: f^2 / (N c) = 2500 / 0.16 = 15625 Step 4: Add the focal length term: H = 15625 + 50 = 15675 mm Step 5: Convert to metres: H = 15.675 m Final answer: The hyperfocal distance is about 15.7 m
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting that the result is in the same units as the focal length and circle of confusion, usually millimetres
- Using the wrong circle of confusion value for the sensor size or output standard
- Assuming hyperfocal distance means everything closer than H is perfectly sharp rather than acceptably sharp
Did You Know?
Landscape shooters focus at the hyperfocal distance to maximise sharpness from foreground to horizon.
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More in Photography & Imaging
View allF-Number
BasicAperture f-number is focal length divided by aperture diameter.
Exposure Value (EV)
IntermediateCombines aperture and shutter speed into one exposure figure.
Depth of Field (approx.)
AdvancedRange of distances that appear acceptably sharp.
Lens Magnification
IntermediateImage magnification from focal length and subject distance.
Angle of View
IntermediateField of view from sensor size and focal length.
Equivalent Focal Length
BasicFocal length on a crop sensor expressed in full-frame terms.