Following on from a discussion HERE regarding the effects of focal length on depth of field,and so as not to intrude further on Daniel's post.
THIS ARTICLE gives a couple of examples that shows that given a constant subject size (magnification) then the depth of field remains virtually the same no matter what focal length is used.
Justin - either you or I are speaking entirely different languages, or one of us is barking mad.
Subject distance = 10 feet
f number = f16
with a 55 mm lens your total DoF is 7.04 feet
with a 500mm lens it's 0.07 feet
FACT
The differences between 105 and 180 will be a lot smaller but they are there all the same.
Get a DoF calculator if you don't believe me
Andy,
Your example doesn't take into consideration that the subject size is constant.
If you photograph the same subject with a 105mm macro lens and then use a 180mm but obviously moving back slightly so the subect fills the same area of the frame then the depth of field will be virtually the same.
Justin is right.... if the magnification is the same on the film/sensor it makes not one iota of difference what lens is used the DoF will be almost identical....
(just to quantify I make my living from macro/ high macro photography)
All the best
Phil
Posted by Ian Andrews on November 28, 2007 at 11:34 AM
(just to quantify I make my living from macro/ high macro photography)
Discussion
4 repliesTHIS ARTICLE gives a couple of examples that shows that given a constant subject size (magnification) then the depth of field remains virtually the same no matter what focal length is used.
Andy,
Your example doesn't take into consideration that the subject size is constant.
If you photograph the same subject with a 105mm macro lens and then use a 180mm but obviously moving back slightly so the subect fills the same area of the frame then the depth of field will be virtually the same.
Justin is right.... if the magnification is the same on the film/sensor it makes not one iota of difference what lens is used the DoF will be almost identical....
(just to quantify I make my living from macro/ high macro photography)
All the best
Phil
You mean they pay you to take those snapshots!!
Ian