09-07-2011, 07:44 AM
[quote name='Frank' timestamp='1315378817' post='11362']
If I understand the Merklinger method correctly then that method leads to that: If you want to get the largest depth of field from near to infinity, then focus to infinity and set the aperture to the smallest aperture that you suffer the difraction (e.g. f/16 if you can suffer the diffraction at f/16), this way you will get the largest dof that you can get with the Merklinger method. I wonder if this way is always better than the super focal distance method, perhaps this can only be checked with much much practice: try and see.
Frank
[/quote]
Again - I do not advise this method for (ultra-)wide lenses which have a (negative) field curvature issue. You will end with soft corners in the foreground.
This was very obvious during the tests with the Sigma 12-24mm II. Initially I used AF (which suggested infinity focus) - resulting in exactly those soft corners. After switching to manual focusing and choosing ~1m the soft corners were gone (within the capabilities of the lens).
The method is probably fine for lenses with a very flat focus field.
If I understand the Merklinger method correctly then that method leads to that: If you want to get the largest depth of field from near to infinity, then focus to infinity and set the aperture to the smallest aperture that you suffer the difraction (e.g. f/16 if you can suffer the diffraction at f/16), this way you will get the largest dof that you can get with the Merklinger method. I wonder if this way is always better than the super focal distance method, perhaps this can only be checked with much much practice: try and see.
Frank
[/quote]
Again - I do not advise this method for (ultra-)wide lenses which have a (negative) field curvature issue. You will end with soft corners in the foreground.
This was very obvious during the tests with the Sigma 12-24mm II. Initially I used AF (which suggested infinity focus) - resulting in exactly those soft corners. After switching to manual focusing and choosing ~1m the soft corners were gone (within the capabilities of the lens).
The method is probably fine for lenses with a very flat focus field.