backfocused

Backfocused refers to a condition in optics, particularly in photography and videography, where the lens is focused at a point behind the subject. This results in the subject appearing out of focus, with the background potentially being sharper than intended. It is the opposite of front-focused, where the focus point is in front of the subject.

Several factors can contribute to backfocus. In autofocus systems, this can occur due to calibration issues within the camera or lens, or environmental factors such as extreme temperatures affecting the optical elements. For manual focus, the user may have misjudged the distance to the subject, inadvertently setting the focus ring to a point further away. The depth of field also plays a role; if the depth of field is very shallow, a slight miscalculation in focus can lead to the subject falling outside the sharp plane.

The appearance of backfocus is a blurred subject with a relatively sharper background. This can be detrimental to achieving clear and impactful images, especially when the subject is the intended focal point. Photographers and videographers often check for backfocus by testing their camera and lens combinations on a focusing chart or a subject with a known distance. Adjustments can sometimes be made through the camera's autofocus fine-tuning settings or by ensuring precise manual focus.