hiperfókusz

Hiperfókusz, also known as hyperfocal distance, is a photography concept that refers to a specific focal length setting at which a camera lens can be focused to maximize the depth of field (DOF). When a lens is set to the hyperfocal distance, the resulting image will have the greatest possible sharpness across the scene, from a distance roughly half of the hyperfocal point to infinity. This technique is particularly useful in landscape and architectural photography, where sharpness across the entire frame is desired.

The hyperfocal distance depends on three factors: the focal length of the lens, the aperture setting (f-number), and the circle of confusion (CoC), which is the smallest blur spot that can be perceived as a point by the viewer’s eye. The formula to calculate hyperfocal distance (H) is:

H = (f² / (N * c)) + f

where *f* is the focal length, *N* is the f-number (aperture), and *c* is the circle of confusion. The CoC varies based on the sensor size and printing/viewing distance, but common values are used for standard practices.

Using hyperfocal focusing ensures that the lens is set to a point slightly closer than infinity, allowing for a balanced DOF that includes both near and far subjects. This method avoids the need for manual focus adjustments when shooting scenes with varying depths, such as wide landscapes. However, it may result in slightly softer foreground details compared to focusing at a closer point, depending on the aperture and lens characteristics.

Photographers often use hyperfocal distance charts or calculators to determine the optimal focus setting for their specific lens and conditions. While hyperfókusz is most practical with fixed-lens cameras, some modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras offer hyperfocal focusing presets to simplify the process. Understanding and applying hyperfocal distance can significantly improve the sharpness and clarity of wide-angle and telephoto images.