Where did I Focus?

My E-Book: geni.us/onlocation
Website: www.thomasheaton.co.uk
Guys, I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again; this video is not a tutorial. With landscape photography, the best way to get real answers is to go out and do some simple real world tests. I realised that I had been asked the question about focusing more times than any other question and my answers is always the same, focus to infinity or focus stack. But i wanted to see if there was a better way.
**You can compare all of the images here: thomasheaton.co.uk/the-3-images/
**The other Hyperfocal video I mentioned: • How to focus in landsc...
Apps in the video:
Meteoearth
Digital DOF
Some kit used/seen in this video. These are affiliate links.
For a more extensive kit list, check out my Blog: bit.ly/tomsgear
5MKIV - geni.us/5oAG
Audio Rec - geni.us/AudioRec
Lee Lens Caps - geni.us/LensCaps
My GPS Watch - GPS Watch - geni.us/GarminFenix3
Please be aware that if you choose to purchase any of this kit I may get a commission of 3% from Amazon :) *Not my reason for doing the video, but feel obliged to let you all know* Peace.
Music Used:
On a Wire - Martin Hall
Bed By The Sea - Gunnar Johnsén
All Downloaded from Here: goo.gl/DGwrJE
*This is an affiliate link. Be very aware that if you choose to use this link to sign up with Epidemic, whom I have used for over 2 years, I will get a small commission. xx

[@bogrunberger]

"Absolutely... Magic". Noo, I was expecting "stunning". Don't change, Thomas. Don't you ever change, no matter what people say. You're a gorgeous beadt of a man, and I love you just the way you are!!!

[@user-zx7bs7tw8f]

Yeah! And more of like "stoonning" ;)

[@Kiryn]

Qi

[@zizzy34]

Only change I'd suggest....grew a bigger beard :D

[@ackaku]

Some one has the hots for u

[@EhhCabehh]

Hello Thomas Heaton! I've been an early subscriber back when you were starting off youtube. I just want to say that your content and channel has come a long way and I've been enjoying every one of them. Thank you for your informative and enjoyable videos. I've always loved landscape photography, and watching an amazing landscape photog go through his day really inspires me. That is the dream; to be doing what you are doing. Just wanted to stop by and say I appreciate your work and content you provide for all of us!

[@scotty4418]

Might not be a 'tutorial' but every day is a school day in your videos and always learn something from watching them. Having this weekend off gives me the opportunity to try out the methods you highlighted. Loved the preview image on Twitter and seeing the overall image tonight

[@sgcheat]

I have done this test myself and found the Hyperfocal technique works best for me. I like loads of foreground in my photographs and this technique hasn't let me down. Another great Vblog, looking forward to finland.

[@The_Gunslinger]

I'm currently going through all your videos from the start, all have been inspirational and informative, but this one has answered a question I have been trying to figure out for a while. Thank you Thomas, anyway back to another video.

[@alexpriceadventures4709]

I really enjoyed this video. It's nice to see a change of content on the channel and I hope there are more videos like it. Keep it up Thomas!

[@MrSupremeguitar]

Thx for posting this! When doing landscapes, the focusing what what I was wondering about the most. Keep up the good videos, I really enjoy them

[@brianbrooking496]

I’m just learning photography as a newb. Been taking photos of random stuff landscape, seascape, my dogs.... making lots of errors with camera settings, focus issues, unsure how to use camera settings to full potential. Rome was not built in a day, I have a EOS M3 and was trying to figure how to focus to infinity. Anyway I’ve had long days where all photos have been poor, not sharp, out of focus... finally booked onto a course to better understand how my camera works. Love these videos , just help gain better perspective and a little insight that I can understand at my very basic level.

[@BlancaMartinez-dg7fi]

I always look forward to Wednesdays to get to watch another one of your videos. As a new photographer, I am constantly learning things from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and beautiful landscapes with us! Blanca, Las Vegas NV

[@MyOwnMedicine]

Hey Thomas, recently just subscribed to you and you have quickly become my favorite youtuber for photography. Love what you are doing, keep up the good work!

[@Mcyrix]

Truly amazing capture. Another great video with loads of inspiration. Been doing landscape photography little over a year now. With an 8-5 job it can get very difficult and frustrating as most of the work days have amazing weather. With only a D3300 and a kit 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens I try to push myself for great photos. Still learning a lot but it can be extremely frustrating as well. There are days that I just want to give up, but then somehow I find new energy and inspiration and I keep going forward. Your videos have been a great source. Keep up the amazing work.

[@deric5488]

I cannot wait to try these techniques for myself. Fantastic video. Once again...you inspire us.

[@cesarcota3322]

Thank you for another inspiring video. The passion that you transmit through your videos makes people want to go to the field imediatly.

[@stephanvautour9736]

I did not have high hopes for this topic, but it turned out to be very informative and i can't wait to try out the different focusing techniques with my lenses. Thanks for the great info Thomas!

[@robhamilton5057]

I only found your channel a few weeks ago but your now a daily watch for me. Very informative...I'm only an amateur photographer with aspirations to do more but love your advice and guidance.

[@bipboum]

It confirm what I am doing for years. Focusing on infinity, to get sharp up close to the lens. quick and easy to do with good results. Thanks Thomas !

[@KayakHipster]

Fantastic video as always. I love going out and testing different methods and then comparing back at home. One thing to mention that happened to me on a trip - I was using a fairly inexpensive wide angle manual lens while kayaking (just in case I took a swim..) and since it was super bright I couldn't really see well if I was focusing correctly, so I wanted to focus to infinity. I assumed that by sliding the focus ring to the end it got to infinity. When I got a chance to review the images I realized that the focus overshot infinity before ending. So after that I had to be careful with the focus ring to get it to just the right spot in order to truly focus to infinity. So the moral here is to test and test your lenses before using them for something important. It's not the lens' fault in this case, but I learned my lesson. Keep it up! Cheers

[@timburns6456]

Thanks for the vid Thomas. I really enjoy watching you work through how you make your images!

[@totezmagoatz]

that's very interesting to know, saves a lot of time messing around with hyperfocal lengths. I was reading about hyperfocal focusing and you explained it a lot better. beautiful photo

[@Myindianodyssey]

So humble and an absolutely amazing artist/ professional/ teacher!

[@ff4327]

Really enjoyed this, an honest test throughout with lots of answered questions. Cheers

[@joanexley7314]

We won't call it a tutorial but thanks so much for sharing your thinking and play. I always learn so much from your videos and get excited about getting out and playing myself!

[@FlorianCortese]

Thomas, I am new to your website and just love it!! What I learned from an experienced photographer several years ago was to use Aperture priority and dial in f/22. Then the camera will set the shutter speed fort the exposure. This only works if you're on a tripod. Then switch to manual mode. Then if your lens has a distance meter on it, manually dial in the focus on the distance meter to 3m and that will get everything in focus from 3m to infinity without all the hyperlocal distance fuss. Maybe give that a try next time out! Cheers!

[@fbimagesphoto]

You can get quite carried away with these focus issues. I remember doing some tests on my 16-35 f/4 L to see which aperture yielded the best results. I found out that f/8 was my best bet, so I ended up focus stacking all my landscape shots at f/8. Really time consuming for, in a sense, nothing more than pixel peeping glory. After a while I went back to reason and started using smaller apertures to get the shot done (and swallowed my pride on corner diffraction). The general rule I learnt was to pick an object in the first third of the frame and focus on it, I have been doing this ever since, but might give a shot to infinity focussing, even though it seems quite counter intuitive, as you are sacrificing potential acceptable sharpness beyond the reach of your scene.

[@MatthewSaville]

Yeah well, for folks to whom "pixel peeping glory" doesn't ever translate into huge prints on the wall, you're entirely justified in foregoing such scrutiny of sharpness. Just focus 1/2 way into your scene, snap the shot, and post to Facebook / Instagram / Flickr / 500PX. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Although keep in mind, that in just a few years 4K displays will become very common, and at that point even digital display of your work will risk looking bad if you don't pay at least some amount of attention to achieving at least ~20 megapixels of high-quality resolution...

[@fbimagesphoto]

Matthew Saville I perfectly agree with you, I am no stranger when it comes to sharpness. I shoot on a 50mpx camera, with a Zeiss lens, and I edit my shot on a 4k display. What I am trying to say here is that, get your sharpness right without loosing hair in the process, it should do for most of your photography (especially with WA lenses and open vistas). Now, if you are about to take that one shot that you know will be a keeper, focus stack if it is an open space or large vista; nail the focus on your subject with enough DOF to cover it entirely if it is an intimate scene, an isolated object. You are right about the progress of technology, when I bought my 5DSR, I had to throw away all of my lenses and get some higher quality glass to make most of the sensors capability.

[@ericlowenbach5151]

Felix De Lubersac where exactly did you throw them away, and are they still there?

[@fbimagesphoto]

Eric Lowenbach hi Eric, I'm not sure I understand your question, could you please be more specific? Thanks, Félix

[@chrisgibbsphoto]

@ Matthew Saville -- Rule of thumb, back in the day, was focus 1/3rd the way into the scene.

[@mats9192]

Really good video. After starting to focus on the distant objects and then adjusting the aperture to get the depth of field I want, my pictures are now much sharper.

[@KTKxPu1sE]

Love this photo! Looks stunning. These types of videos are really nice to watch too. Loving the content

[@mandrakedas]

it's always been a question I've had too. I always thought it was focus 1/3 of the way into the scene to approximate hyperfocal distance but I can't say I'm always happy with the results.I'm going to try the infinity focus point and see how that goes. I couldn't believe how much was in focus considering the distance between the wall and the mountain!

[@brownchairphotography]

Awesome video. Really cool experiment. I especially like the line "just having a play". You make everything sounds better.

[@patrickdumoulin9915]

Thank you for introducing me to the new hyper-focal distance technique. I'm looking forward to trying it out with my gear.

[@leemumford4321]

Thanks for the vid. I enjoy watching these "tests" as they give plenty food for thought with interesting findings. Cheers

[@domste]

Great video! You can find youtube videos about the right way to focus for landscape photography but in my opinion a clear comparison video like this one is more useful . Great job!

[@jaycobvanleuven5003]

I don't ever comment on videos this is actually a first. The only reason I am today is that I just wanted to share all of the appropriation I have when I watch your videos. It not only makes me want to go do photography after I've watched them but if I am having a lazy day it makes me want to be productive. I don't know what it is about your videos but they are "absolutely stunning".

[@heathcee4910]

Really liked this 'not a tutorial', Thomas - thank you :) And I'm so glad you found that focusing at infinity rendered sharper images than focusing at hyperfocal distance. Because I find that too - and was wondering if I was doing it all wrong - even using my husbands digital range meter! Wonderful light in those images too.

[@nickybarker4167]

Really enjoyed that. Interesting results. I'm quite new to photography and have always focused a third of the way in. Infinity it is on my next outing. Thanks Thomas 👍

[@davidturnbull3950]

I found this a really interesting and informative video, which gives me food for thought about focusing. Plus there were the usual stunning images.

[@honest-maps1661]

Great video! I didn't expect the photo focused on infinity to be sharper in the foreground than the other ones. I'll try these techniques when I'm taking photos next time to see what works best with my gear!

[@toke7560]

Thanks Thomas, went out today and did infinity focus, Works great. Usually do 1 third in. Amazing, in focus all the way from just in front of me to the distant hills.

[@davidlewis5929]

Thanks for this. As a relatively new hobby for me videos like this (and comments - thanks all) are helpful. I have been taking a photo class and had this very question and didn't quite get an answer that was useful for me, but this has given me the ideas on how I can go about getting my answers myself. Thanks again.

[@Chris-so1tn]

Thanks for showing us the MeteoEarth app as well as using various theoretical focal points! Interesting results.

[@ericlowenbach5151]

An argument for focusing closer than infinity (and along the lines of "acceptably sharp") is that details very far away are quite small, seen through atmosphere, etc, and can afford to be less than perfectly sharp. In fact, the viewer's eye expects less detail out there in the far distance. It's the closer bits that require the most sharpness as they are more detailed. Having said that, I usually just focus at infinity too, unless there is something heroic in the foreground, in which case I'll stack. No one has ever complained that my landscape shots are blurry (if they have issues, focus isn't one). So Thomas, I have gotten to the same conclusion as you.

[@stefandietmann5120]

I learned much more from this video, than from any so called tutorials ;) Also a great tip with the cloud app. Went right to my smartphone. Thank you very much Thomas!

[@hansdavis8716]

This has been a real eye opener for me, thanks Thomas.

[@robertcobb9484]

Love your videos always inspire me to get out and shoot more

[@andrealohberg5051]

Thomas, That is really interesting and I'll definitely pick up your suggestion to move outside and do some testing. Very inspirational. Thanks for your vids. They keep me going!

[@andrewgach7363]

When Tom posts on your birthday, yey. Loved the video as always!!

[@SwitchbackImages]

Excellent test and super informative. Glad to see just focusing at infinity yields great results and is the easiest too!

[@DaleSheltonsPage]

That was one of the best hyperfocal tutorials I've seen.

[@ScottymanPhoto]

Thomas, another masterfully executed video! I have studied focusing techniques for years, and it's a challenge. I occasionally focus stack in Photoshop, but I prefer to get the best results in camera, mainly due to movement from winds and water. Typically, I use hyper focal distance as a guide (estimating distances); however, unless one requires super-sharp focus in the very near foreground, I have found that focusing past the HFD will result in a better overall sharpness. Roy Kennie's comment was very well expressed. I would love to see another video expanding on HFD. Your videos, regardless of length, are always a pleasure to watch! Your are the photographer's spokesman; please don't change anything!

[@andrewwilson2114]

Your videos make me feel so good. Thank you!

[@4runnerMT]

8:57 Wise, wise words. I am finally learning this after a lot of running around, getting frustrated because of NOT finding "that composition." Some moments (and light) should be enjoyed live and let go. Thank you.

[@megbrodeur]

Wow! Having just learned about hyperfocal distance, I was wondering if I had been doing everything wrong before. I definitely want to go out and run a test with my camera and lens set up to see which works best for me. Love the image you created here!

[@jamesrimmer9002]

Just excellent, down to earth, honest and unpretentious. Virtual cheers

[@owenbelanger8589]

Awesome Video Thomas!!! Keep up the legendary work!

[@stephenhunt7655]

I don’t do much landscape photography but I love you channel. When I do take landscape shots I usually use around f 11 to f16 and focus two thirds into the distance. I’ll definitely try focusing to infinity.

[@OnPatrolPhotography]

Another fantastic video Tom 😊 I must admit, you did well to simply sit and watch the beauty of the red sunset unfold before you. I can only hope in time I'll be able to do the same - as at the moment, I'm that bloke running round like crazy looking for a composition once that colour starts to be revealed 😄😄😄

[@jandegroote1216]

The best video on focusing!!!! And I have steen a lot of them, Thanks a lot,Jan

[@billonthehill9984]

I somewhat agree with your experiments on DOF & focus points at different distances. It is fun to experiment around with this stuff. Currently I own 2 Canon crop cameras ( T3i/7D )using both EF & some EFs lenses, mostly Canon glass with a Tamron 17-50 2.8 crop lens thrown into the mix. I have coveted the very camera I see you are using for some time now, which is the primary reason I purchase EF full frame lenses. I think I understand you using the term " focusing to infinity " giving the best desirable result in overall sharpness, foreground, middle, all the way out... I tend to use the the 1/3 rule on landscapes, recompose and walla, usually a well focused image, foreground to background... I do change that up at times, depending on the circumstances... Great video btw... Bill from the hill...

[@mazennabulsi7246]

Very beautiful informative video .. I like to do testing and experimenting ... thousands of shots were took for that .. and the results were stunning ... good work, thanks for sharing ..

[@gregdesign]

am glad you made video about focusing as i was strugling on my 18-35 sigma i could almost never focus on infinity. thanks for stacking idea

[@nb7524]

Hey Thomas, this is very informative and I learned new things. Thanks, you're awesome!

[@kazumitakemoto2543]

I always thank you for your KZbin videos. As you might have expected, this attracted attention and we started a la theological controversy on pan focus methods once used. The set of new lens and sensor, as well as a computer screen with higher resolution have moved the pan focus application into a different stage. As you suggested, I appreciate your idea of testing on the once proven methods. I will test by myself with my lessor resolution set of camera and lens.

[@chavezcastro00]

Hi Thomas. Great video for someone starting in photography. I thought focusing on infinite was focusing on the sky. Now I understand it's the furthest object on the scene. I subscribed and enjoy your videos a lot. Keep up the good work and thanks a lot.

[@kyle-sav]

Thanks a bunch Thomas! I love these videos where you share technical details. For a novice this is super helpful. Cheers! :)

[@ThatOneReviewer]

Having always used old lenses on a pentax, I usually tried to go for the hyperfocal point as per the markings on the lens (erring on the infinity side of caution) - which sometimes resulted in soft images... not that the lenses themselves were ever that sharp and I tended to fire from the hip I recently got a mirrorless, and have had great pleasure in using focus peaking, which essentially is a visual display of the autofocus process, that you can control manually... So just another way of going about things! Ultimately infinity will always get you a decent shot at a relatively small apeture, and if you want to go further than that, stacking is the best bet

[@kaleff75]

I find this to be true with all of my lenses, even telephoto. I shot with manual Samyang lenses at one point and always put the scale at infinity and got sharp photos from back to front. That is actually how I've learned this to be true. Now with zoom lenses I do the same and just focus at infinity. This was actually very useful information and thank you for sharing it Thomas.

[@PhotoNERDsUnite]

I feel like I'm watching me sometimes. I feel the exact same way you do when it comes to many subjects....this being another one. Great shot by the way!

[@corsogiu]

Great video as usual Thomas! My favourite way is focus stacking because I own good lenses but not as good as yours, for example 24-105L is soft on edges if I use the infinity focus or just one shot following the dof app.

[@perrellapartyof5]

Just came back from a photo trip to the Columbia River Gorge...pondered this focussing issue while I was out there.....with foreground 2 feet in front of my lens, and a waterfall quarter of a mile away. Ended up focus stacking. And, of course, paid tribute to TH at every new location, with an "Absolutely stunning".

[@NicholasEJones]

Interesting Mr Heaton, Ive always used third to get everthing into focus, need to go out and experiment now!

[@davidmoser5493]

Nice job on showing us your process - that's more important than the actual technique you arrive at. I tend to use live view to focus on the most important element in the scene. In this example (without a clear subject) I'd probably use live view to focus a bit before the wall begins to turn.

[@EERATM3]

Hi Thomas you kept apologising saying this is not a tutorial don't care what you call it,for me it was being made aware of 2 methods I had never heard of I always focus to infinity when shooting landscapes and have been delighted with the results but you have made me aware of something else to try and for that we should all be grateful many thanks as always for sharing your knowledge.

[@OshiesWorld01]

Another great one! Thanks for the tips on how to get sharper landscapes. Something I always get a bit frustrated with. I always wondered how the dof button works on my 7d2 haha.

[@tomtomtk24]

Huge fan of yours! I find myself watching your videos before bed and end up going to sleep way past my bedtime. Your voice is so calm and soothing. Thanks for everything you do! P.S. did you ever consider doing an internship?!

[@CulturedphotographyBlogspot]

Great test Thomas. Going to give infinity a try out. I've usually just closed down the aperture to make sure it's sharper and focussed on a point about a third of the way in for landscapes. I have been fairly happy with this but I'll be giving this a go next time I'm doing some landscape shooting.

[@audi_kid]

Love watching your videos brother !! You re ignited my photography hunger!!! Love how you do you and it’s natural 🤙🏼 some of these comments below are funny lol you keep doing you! Much love from California !!!

[@redcentre8334]

Interesting (and, for me, timely) topic. I always used to use autofocus but fixing on a point roughly 1/3 away and then recomposing. Now still use point 1/3 away, but manual focus instead. Undeniably sharper for me. Only started that on day 3 of a recent 2 week US trip but glad I did, the difference in sharpness is unreal. I noticed because I was photographing Yosemite and was disappointed with the sharpness of some rocks so tried manual instead. Much better for me. The point being there isn't one way to focus and it can really make a difference to the end product... Worth giving some thought to as you have done here.

[@peterh4713]

I'm gonna have to try this now. I used to focus to infinity but changed to hyperfocal distance after reading a few articles. I'll try with a few different lenses at work and see what happens. Nice video by the way

[@KimSamejima]

Really interesting, Thomas! Thanks! Always focus on infinity as well. Also thought aperture could bring some variations into the sharpness too, I mean, did some tests with infinity focus and f/8 versus f/2 and the results are incredibly satisfactory as well. Nice shot btw!

[@MatsAndersson]

Excellent episode! Have to try this.

[@tomtomsmith98]

You've had me intrigued since that tweet Thomas!

[@TheTradingMarvels]

I really enjoy your videos and they have inspired me to make my own photography vlog videos :) Looking forward to seeing more of your content!

[@kitondoubroff6085]

Another great video of you Thomas.

[@57sapke]

Great video! I use the hyperfocal methode and infinity was always soft. Next time I'll use your methode to see what's best.

[@jamochl]

Love the vibe of your videos!

[@kelv52]

I have struggled with DOF for ages, my own results (though mostly handheld) have been very inconsistent, now using tripod, mirror up, remote release and focus to infinity with live view, which I hardly ever use I get better and consistent results, thank you Thomas for getting me off my butt and doing my own very un-scientific research that give me the results that will please no one but myself, but isn't that what its about

[@abajaj8]

You Sir are Simply amazing and you got me hooked into Landscape Photography :)

[@Tim-Ram]

Thx for testing this. I expected the infinity focussing to be the sharpest and glad to see it confirmed. :) surprised it was sharpest at closer range as well. Think I'm gonna do some tests like this on some lenses this weekend also. Great video as always, thx !

[@MrCarlpenny]

This has been a massive help to my current level, although not a tutorial, your playtime has planted a seed and will be played with on my next outing :-)

[@coupedroite]

Great idea of a video! I had forgotten that sometimes I ask the same question to myself before a take a picture!

[@Kevinhatcher]

What an interesting way to get an acceptable level of sharpness from the Koldunov Brothers. I think I will try that and also focus to infinity and see what it yields on my set up. Great video, very entertaining. Thanks! :)

[@jmyhhall1345]

Great video - will have to test this out myself. Thanks for the information.

[@richardcoombs2311]

Thanks for another great video, Tom. I'd love to learn more about how you scout for locations. Particularly when you are unfamiliar with the area.

[@stephenhume7690]

I had to freeze at 1:11 because I was in that exact spot at Hadrian's Wall about two years ago. Just fished through some old photos and found it. Pretty neat and awesome to know we were at the same location at one point taking photos.

[@andrewbeasley]

Excellent video - I know that spot having stayed in a farm b&b a few miles from the focus point! I was always taught 1/3rd the way in at f11 for a 4/3rds but having turned on focus peaking I've noticed that crept out and out closer to infinity. As for testing - great reason to get out and enjoy the view :-)

[@juliaschubert7278]

Great Video! I also focus most of the time to infinity when I'm doin landscapes. I think I'll do the same little experiment as you did Thomas. Love your work and your videos, thank you for inspiring me! :)

[@philipwatson2443]

Thanks for that Thomas ,I will give focussing on infinity a try. Up to now I have always used the "focus a third way in" way :)

[@jakelindsay6251]

This reinforces why I can't leave my A7Rii or EM1ii. I don't think I have the patience or the brains to do all this on a DSLR, LOL. Wonderful vid, Thomas. I was recently playing around with Hyperfocal Distance and focus stacking so this was great timing. Olympus has Focus Stacking built right into the camera. And it actually is "Magic!"

[@PaulLucas007]

Tom, thank you. I've just discovered your videos and I'm impressed. Found myself hanging on your every word so that works for me!! :-) Keep up ,the great work.

[@fotofletch]

I dunno why but when I seen you having a cuppa my hand went to switch the Kettle on! Thomas, you're a bad influence haha but also a good one as I now feel the need to get out tonight with the camera! Keep the videos coming mate!

[@dah7772]

Thank you another great video. Would love it if you showed us how you go about focus stacking in the field