Calculate DoF, hyperfocal distance, and acceptable sharpness range
Depth of field (DoF) is the range of distance that appears acceptably sharp. It depends on aperture, focal length, subject distance, and sensor size (circle of confusion).
Formula
Hyperfocal Distance = f² / (N × c)
f = focal length, N = f-stop, c = circle of confusion. For 50mm at f/8 on full-frame (CoC 0.03mm): 50² / (8 × 0.03) = 10,417mm ≈ 10.4m.
Focus at hyperfocal distance, not infinity, to maximize near-to-far sharpness.
Most lenses are sharpest 2-3 stops down from wide open. Avoid f/16+ unless needed.
Use magnified live view to check DoF placement, especially for shallow DoF shots.
For group photos, focus 1/3 into the depth of the group for optimal placement.
Calculate aperture for desired background blur.
Find hyperfocal distance for maximum sharpness.
Ensure entire product is in focus.
Plan focus stacking for extremely shallow DoF.
Aperture (wider = shallower DoF), focal length (longer = shallower), subject distance (closer = shallower), and sensor size (larger = shallower).
The closest focus distance where infinity is still acceptably sharp. Focus here for maximum landscape sharpness from half the hyperfocal distance to infinity.
The largest blur circle that still looks like a point. It varies by sensor size: full-frame ~0.03mm, APS-C ~0.02mm, micro 4/3 ~0.015mm.
f/1.4 gives very shallow DoF (great bokeh). f/8-11 gives moderate DoF (sharp landscapes). f/16+ diffraction may reduce overall sharpness.
Smaller sensors have more DoF at equivalent framing because you either use shorter focal length or stand farther back.
Use widest aperture (f/1.4-2.8), longest focal length possible, position subject far from background, and get close to subject.