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How to Get the Best Depth of Field With DSLR Auto Focus Lenses

Depth of field (DOF) is the range of effective focus in an image. When all parts of a photograph -- including the foreground, subject and background -- are in sharp focus, the image is said to have a deep depth of field. If the subject is focused but the background and foreground are blurred, the image has a shallow depth of field. You can achieve the best depth of field using a small aperture, or lens opening, and using your DSLR's autofocus sensor effectively.

Things You'll Need

Tripod (optional)
External light source (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Turn your DSLR's mode dial to "Aperture priority" mode. On most dials, it appears as "Av." This mode lets you select the size of your lens opening while the camera sets an appropriate shutter speed.
- 2
  Select a small aperture using your camera's controls or digital interface. Apertures from f/8 to f/22 will provide the deepest depth of field and render the entire image, from 2 feet in front of the camera to infinity, sharply focused.
- 3
  Increase your camera sensor's ISO setting if the shutter speed selected by the camera is too slow to allow handheld photography. High ISO settings increase the sensor's sensitivity to light, allowing you to use a fast shutter speed with a small aperture. Alternatively, you may set your camera up on a tripod.
- 4
  Use flash or an external light source for good depth of field in low light or at night. Shooting at night usually requires a wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4, to allow enough light to reach the sensor. The extra light provided by a flash or studio lamp will allow you to use a smaller aperture.
- 5
  Aim your camera's autofocus sensor, usually located in the middle of the viewfinder, toward the horizon of your image. Depress the shutter button halfway to focus on your scene.
- 6
  Press the shutter button all the way down to take the photograph. Review the image on your camera's LCD screen and reshoot if necessary.

Photography