Handy DoF Calculator

[Phill D]

Sparked off by the extremely thin DoF I got recently on using my old 50mm f2 lens. Does anyone know how to get one of these DoF calculators that isn't an online one but something that can be taken around in the field and checked as needed. I'm after something like the old wheel calculators that used to be available but don't seem to be around now. I don't want an app for a phone I'm afraid. I've done some Goggling and found a DIY one that would print wheels but it's very old and doesn't seem to work properly on Win7. So anyone got any ideas?

[Daveart]

Re: Handy DoF Calculator

Hi if you have a Android or apple phone or tablet you can down load one from google store or Apple ios store they are free.
Works well by inputting lens length and f stop to rhe camera in use it will not only tell you the depth of field at different distances it gives optimal focal distance for max focus.

Dave

[peak4]

Re: Handy DoF Calculator

Something like this maybe?
http://www.dofmaster.com/doftable.html

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Handy DoF Calculator

I haven't read through the whole thing, but how's this:

http://www.photosmith.ca/Library/Depth%20of%20Field%20Wheel.pdf

It may need modification for 4/3rds

or:

http://www.studiolighting.net/expoaperture2-depth-of-field-guide-from-expoimaging/

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Handy DoF Calculator

DOF Master do a DiY wheel

http://www.dofmaster.com/custom.html

[Phill D]

Re: Handy DoF Calculator

Thanks guys I'd found them too. The Expo aperture 2 is what I had remembered from ages ago but it looks like it's discontinued. That DIY one I also tried but it doesn't want to work on my win 7 pc. Couldn't seem to get the instructions to show. The small wheel design seems to be ideal for a quick handy reference, wonder why these don't seem to be available now. All been replaced by phone apps I guess I'm probably a bit old fashioned but a simple cardboard wheel slipped in a pocket seems really simple to me. Maybe I'll persevere with the DoF master version and see if I can print one out.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Handy DoF Calculator

It works ok on my Win 7 PC However:


"The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows. However, you can download a program that will allow you to view Help created in the Windows Help format.

For more information, go to the Microsoft Help and Support website."

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Handy DoF Calculator

Here's a thought:

Using an exif analyser such as THIS produce a simple table for the Focal Lengths and Apertures that you use the most.

The calculations could be done using any of the on-line tools:

OR

Send me your e-mail address and I'll send you a XL Sheet I wrote years ago that will do the calcs for you...