Hyperfocal Distance Calculator

Calculate hyperfocal distance for maximum depth of field in photography

Camera Settings

Different sensor sizes affect the circle of confusion

The focal length of your camera lens

Aperture setting affects depth of field

Hyperfocal Distance Results

10.88 m
35.71 ft
Hyperfocal Distance
5.44 m
17.85 ft
Hyperfocal Near Limit

Camera Settings: 50mm lens, f/8, 35mm Full Frame (36×24mm)

Circle of Confusion: 0.0288 mm

Focus at: 10.88m for maximum depth of field

Sharp from: 5.44m to infinity

Photography Tips

Landscape Photography: Focus at the hyperfocal distance to keep both foreground and background sharp
Smaller Apertures: Use f/8 to f/16 for optimal sharpness while maintaining good depth of field
Focus Point: Set your focus to the hyperfocal distance for maximum depth of field

Example Calculations

Landscape Photography Setup

Camera: 35mm Full Frame

Lens: 24mm wide-angle

Aperture: f/11

Hyperfocal Distance: ~2.4m

Result: Everything from 1.2m to infinity will be in focus

Portrait with Background

Camera: APS-C

Lens: 50mm

Aperture: f/8

Hyperfocal Distance: ~8.7m

Result: Good for group photos with background context

Depth of Field Guide

Focus Zone
When focused at hyperfocal distance
×

0m to Near Limit

Blurred/Out of focus

Near Limit to ∞

Acceptably sharp

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Focus Point

Hyperfocal distance

Photography Tips

Use hyperfocal distance for landscape photography

Smaller sensors have closer hyperfocal distances

Wide-angle lenses have shorter hyperfocal distances

Smaller apertures (higher f-numbers) increase depth of field

Perfect for astrophotography and cityscapes

Understanding Hyperfocal Distance

What is Hyperfocal Distance?

Hyperfocal distance is the closest distance at which you can focus your camera while keeping objects at infinity acceptably sharp. When you focus at the hyperfocal distance, everything from half that distance to infinity will be in acceptable focus.

Why Use Hyperfocal Distance?

  • Maximize depth of field in your photographs
  • Perfect for landscape and architectural photography
  • Keep both foreground and background in focus
  • Essential for astrophotography

Hyperfocal Distance Formula

H = f + f²/(N × C)

  • H: Hyperfocal distance (mm)
  • f: Focal length (mm)
  • N: f-number (aperture)
  • C: Circle of confusion (mm)

Circle of Confusion

The circle of confusion is calculated as the sensor diagonal divided by 1500. This determines the acceptable blur for sharp focus and varies with sensor size.

Practical Applications

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Landscape

Keep mountains and foreground rocks in focus

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Cityscape

Sharp from nearby buildings to distant skyline

Astrophotography

Focus from ground elements to stars