DOF for the Rest of Us

[Nathan Moody]

Originally Posted by Bruce S. Yarock

nathan,
A friend told me that someone makes an inexpensive screw in adapter that you could buy for each lens. That way you could have one set of filters, that fit in any of the adapters. Don't know who makes them.
My other option will be a mattbox.
Bruce Yarock

Sorry Bruce, didn't watch this thread. Multiple manufacturers make filter holders: Cokin and Lee are the big ones. Cokins are the most common, but are make from plastic or resin and I've had 'em break in the field, but I use 'em because they are cheap! The Cokin P series of filters and holders are the classic example of filters that may not fit in a matte box. Also realize that there is a Cokin wide-angle filter holder...yeah, get that one. Vignetting from a standard-focal-length filter holder is seriously not fun. Been there. Nothing artsy or good about it. :)

If you want to get a matte box, you are getting a filter holder with a fancy hood, with a few other niceties. It's the matte boxes that hold 4x4 or 4x6 filters.

[Kin Lau]

Originally Posted by Scott Brickert

Hey Kin,
I'd like to understand how you figured that out, so I could do it myself. In particular, estimating the DoF for a given focal length, aperture and distance.

I'd love to say I can do it in my head, but my favourite tool is Hyperfocal Distance and Depth of Field Calculator - DOFMaster

Most of the common formats are pre-loaded... unfortunately, the iphone version isn't as good as the Windows, Palm or on-line version.

If you download the Windows version, you can print off DOF charts or even a calc wheel.