gen-define-hyperfocal-distance-and-give-one-short-worked-example-cb9a

Define hyperfocal distance and give one short worked example.

# Hyperfocal Distance **Hyperfocal distance** is the closest focusing distance at which a lens can be focused while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp. When focused at this distance, everything from half the hyperfocal distance to infinity appears in acceptable focus. ## Formula **H = f²/(N × c) + f** Where: - H = hyperfocal distance - f = focal length - N = f-number (aperture) - c = circle of confusion (acceptable blur) For practical purposes, when f is small compared to H, this simplifies to: **H ≈ f²/(N × c)** ## Worked Example **Given:** - Focal length: f = 50mm - Aperture: f/16 (N = 16) - Circle of confusion: c = 0.03mm (typical for full-frame) **Calculate:** H = (50)²/(16 × 0.03) = 2500/0.48 ≈ **5,208mm ≈ 5.2m** **Result:** Focus the lens at 5.2m, and everything from 2.6m (half of 5.2m) to infinity will be acceptably sharp. This maximizes depth of field, making it useful for landscape photography.