How to Use Zone Focus
Some camera lenses have the markings on them that measure the focusing distance for a subject, and have a focusing range for the aperture. These numbers are commonly found on manual-focus lenses -- and on some of the more expensive professional lenses. If your lens has these markings, then you can use a "zone focus" approach -- and you won't have to use the camera's auto focus system. This method is also referred to as "hyper-focal focusing."
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Instructions
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Turn your camera on and set the exposure mode to "Manual" or "Aperture priority" -- then set the exposure using the smallest aperture as possible. Using the smallest aperture will give you the greatest zone that will be in focus.
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Look at the lens ring that has a small dot or small diamond in the middle that identifies where the focus point is. You will see a set of numbers to the left and to the right of the center point that mirror each other. This is your depth-of-field range for the aperture you have selected. The wider focal length of the lens, the greater this range will be.
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Turn the focusing ring on the lens until the minimum focusing point is at one of the "f16" markings. Follow the focusing distance until you see the other '"f16" marking on the other side of the center point. Whatever the number is by that "f16" marking gives you the focus zone for your lens. Anything thing that falls within this range will now be in focus, removing the need to focus the lens.
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Tips & Warnings
This technique was often used in street photography, where you want to be able to take pictures quickly, without drawing too much attention to yourself.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit camera - rertro image by Sergey Galushko from Fotolia.com
