Depth-of-Field Scale

103 Depth of Field

043 Aperture

045 f/stop

Depending on the distance from the camera to the subject, the depth of field for a given aperture size is indicated on the depth-of-field scale. A stationary marking adjacent to the distance scale on the focusing ring, the depth-of-field scale features f-numbers that radiate out from a central index mark. When you refer to this scale after bringing the subject into focus, the depth of field is the distance range bracketed by the aperture value in use.

In the example to the left, the index mark indicates that the lens is focused at 15 feet. With the aperture set to f/8, the depth-of-field scale shows that everything from approximately 10 to 30 feet will register sharply. All objects not closer than 12 feet nor farther than 22 feet will register sharply at f/4, and at f/16 the depth of field will be greatly extended so that everything from 9 feet away to infinity will be reproduced sharply and clearly.

An alternative technique is to use the scale to identify an f/stop, which puts the depth of field wherever you want it:

1. Focus on the nearest subject you want sharp, and note the distance indicated on the distance scale of your lens.
2. Do the same for the farthest object you want sharp.
3. Turn the focusing collar until the near and far distances you noted bracket the same f/stop indicator lines on either side of the distance index mark on the depth-of-field scale. Set the lens to the aperture that corresponds to those marks for the best overall sharpness for the zone you chose.