On 28 Dec 1998 04:25:20 GMT, "Michael K. Davis" wrote:
>Neuman - Ruether wrote:

[most deleted...]
>Hate carrying DoF tables? Even if you were to just use the DoF scales
>engraved on your lens, always indexing your focus as if you were using the
>next wider aperture than the one you're really using, you'll push the near
>sharp and the hyperfocal distance further out and thus, shrink the CoC's
>in half at infinity. If that doesn't do it for you, move on -- index your
>focus against the next wider aperture, until you're satisfied. Once you
>find an offset that's pleasing, you'll never be guessing thereafter.

Yes, that is essentially what I do (use the DOF indicators
for the next wider stop, but then I sometimes use a stop
smaller to cover the near end better [and infinity more
conservatively {assuming I have enough "stopping-room"
before nasty diffraction sets in...;-}]) - and it works
well! (And doesn't throw away all that nice near-side DOF,
which is what happens with simply setting the lens at
infinity-focus...)