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03/28/2007 09:21:41 PM · #1 |
How does the distance scale work on lenses?
I've been shooting for over a year without paying much attention to the distance scale on my lenses...I think it's time for me to know what it does...can some one please explain me what the distance scale does and what benefit I can get out of it...thank you very much
Nathan |
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03/28/2007 09:27:55 PM · #2 |
If you are refering to the numbers which usually show the distance in feet and meters, this is a helpful function for focusing. Those distances translate to the distance from the mirror of your camera to the plane of focus in the distance. i.e. a reading of 2m (the reading is usually taken where a line lines up with a number) shows that the area in sharp focus 2 meters away.
Lee |
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03/28/2007 09:31:42 PM · #3 |
It's worth noting that, depending on the lens, the distance scale may read the distance EITHER from the film/sensor plane OR from the front element of the lens.
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03/28/2007 09:35:04 PM · #4 |
| Also helpful if using infra red film - You need to change the focus as it focuses at a different level. |
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03/28/2007 09:35:08 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by riot:
It's worth noting that, depending on the lens, the distance scale may read the distance EITHER from the film/sensor plane OR from the front element of the lens. |
My 1987 Canon AV-1 has a line etched into the top of the camera, its so you can physically measure the distance to the subject from the film lol. |
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03/28/2007 09:35:48 PM · #6 |
And also, it is dealing with the "middle" and hence the sharpest part of the focusing plane. There may be aspects slightly in focus in front of and behing the distance depending on aperture. When looking through an SLR, for most modern lenses (automatic focus) the image as seen through the viewfinder will be at the maximum aperture say, f/2.8. In order to get a better idea of what will and will not be in focus, many cameras come with an aperture preview button which will close down the lens so that you will be able to see what is and is not in focus at the aperture you are shooting at.
Just a little tip.
Lee |
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