Zone focusing is pretty straightforward, the photographer simply uses the DOF (Depth Of Field) effect to have the desired object(s) in focus. Zone focussing comes in handy, when there is no time to fiddle with the camera controls, or when the photographer wants to be extra unconspicious - without using the viewfinder to focus (aka. shooting from the hip).
Once you know what an f-stop is, and how to set it on your camera, you're good to go. After some time you will get better at guessing distances and you'll be a master of zone focusing in no time...
In the illustration above, the aperture (f-stop) is set to f8 and the focus is set to 2m (~7ft). The focus ring also shows f-stop markings to either side of the focus point (DOF scale).
Every f-stop shows a line directly related to a number on the distance scale. In this example everything from 1.5m to 3m (5ft to 12 ft.) will be perfectly in focus. This works at any distance and with any lens with DOF markings.
related: hyperfocal distance
Comments (4)
Thank you teacher.
jorge
Posted by jorge figueroa | January 23, 2006 11:09 AM
Posted on January 23, 2006 11:09
Appreciate the time you take to make these explanations.
Posted by Luis | July 26, 2006 1:23 PM
Posted on July 26, 2006 13:23
"...will be perfectly in focus..."
is a little bit exaggerated. Actually it should read
"...will be sharp enough for all practical (candid shooting) purpose..."
Posted by Hans der Hase | August 11, 2006 8:21 AM
Posted on August 11, 2006 08:21
I have seen footage of a number of very famous photographers in action from HCB to Gary Winogrand. They shot and move on very quickly.
It seems clear to me that they are Zoning with their Leicas. It strikes me that a lot of the most famous photographs in the world are not pin sharp. The ultimate test of a good photograph is not that is spot on focus wise, but good composition and the power in the subject.
Great photo journalists have mastered the principles of photograpy, then they forget them.
And hit the streets occasionaly adjusting focus and exposure. I might be wrong though.
Posted by David O'Connor | July 21, 2009 2:19 PM
Posted on July 21, 2009 14:19