How to Use a Lens When Focusing on a Distant Object

Ensuring a faraway subject is in focus is the most important part.

Lenses have settings that can be changed, depending on your subject matter. When shooting an object that is far from the camera, the most important attribute to adjust is the focus. This includes the focal distance and the aperture, which is the actual opening that allows light to enter the camera. These guidelines will work for most subjects, but may not fit every situation. Your best tool when shooting is your creative intuition.

Instructions

1. Adjust the lens aperture to be near "f/8.0," which is when most lenses are at their sharpest. The actual process depends on your model of camera.

2. Rotate the focus ring until the subject begins to appear crisp. Continue turning the ring until the subject becomes blurry again. If you're using autofocus, aim the focus point at an area of high contrast near the subject.

3. Rotate the ring back and place it in between the two points of acceptable sharpness. If you're using autofocus, focus the lens now.

4. Take the photo and review it. Adjust the camera as necessary and take the photo again.

Tips & Warnings

• Photo lenses aren't able to keep their focus at different zoom ranges. When focusing, only adjust the camera at the zoom level you'll use in the final photo.

References

• Great Landscape Photography: Photo Exposure
• Digital Photography School: 11 Surefire Landscape Photography Tips