Hyperfocal Distance Calculator

The hyperfocal distance is the focus distance that gives maximum depth of field. When focused at the hyperfocal distance, everything from half that distance to infinity is acceptably sharp.

The formula: H = f² / (N × c)

Where:

• H = hyperfocal distance
• f = focal length (in mm)
• N = f-number (aperture)
• c = circle of confusion (in mm)

Why it matters for landscape photography: Focusing at infinity wastes half your depth of field behind the infinity point, where nothing exists. Focusing at the hyperfocal distance extends sharpness much closer to the camera while keeping infinity sharp.

Example: With a 24mm lens at f/11 on a full-frame camera: H = 24² / (11 × 0.030) = 576 / 0.33 = 1,745 mm ≈ 5.7 feet

Focus at 5.7 feet and everything from about 2.85 feet to infinity is sharp. If you focused at infinity instead, everything closer than 5.7 feet would be blurry.

Circle of confusion values:

• Full-frame: 0.030 mm
• APS-C: 0.020 mm
• Micro Four Thirds: 0.015 mm

Smaller sensors have a shorter hyperfocal distance at the same focal length and aperture. This is one reason smaller sensors produce images with greater apparent depth of field.

Practical tips:

• Use Live View magnification to focus precisely at the hyperfocal distance.
• Mark the distance on your lens barrel with a piece of tape for quick reference.
• A wider lens and smaller aperture give a closer hyperfocal distance (more DOF).
• Avoid apertures smaller than f/16 on most lenses due to diffraction softening.
• For critical landscape work, focus stacking at wider apertures often produces sharper results than using very small apertures.