Hyperfocal distance.

A point at which the depth of field (area of acceptable focus) extends from half the distance to the point all the way to infinity. Or another way to look at it would be the closest distance that’s reasonably in focus if the lens is at infinity.

The hyperfocal distance is determined by the film format used, the focal length of the lens and the lens aperture, and can easily be calculated mathematically.

Fixed focus cameras are usually focussed to the hyperfocal distance. Street photographers often rely on the hyperfocal distance so they can take images quickly without having to focus the lens.

cf. depth of field, focal length, focus.

Entry last updated 2002-04-03. Term 619 of 1487.

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