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Hyperfocal Distancetechnical

The focus point that keeps the most of a scene acceptably sharp, from near to infinity.

For landscapes, focusing at the hyperfocal distance (roughly one-third into the scene at f/8-f/11) maximizes front-to-back sharpness. Focusing at infinity wastes the near depth of field.

Use this when

  • Deep landscapes: focus ~1/3 in at f/8-f/11

Common mistake: Focusing on the horizon and getting a soft foreground.