As mentioned in the formula for calculating lens focal length based on the distance and size of the subject, regarding focal length calculations when photographing aircraft, below is a write-up on a simple depth of field calculation problem. However, this time, instead of using an estimation formula, I used an app.

On Instagram, I saw a work by a photographer I’ve known for a while (link), (who is also a co-author of the book Airplane Photography Bible) and became interested in its depth of field. Because both the foreground and background in the photo were in very sharp focus, I really wanted to know the shooting method. So, I asked the photographer directly on Instagram and got an answer.

It turns out he: 1. Focused on the aircraft 2. Used a wide-angle lens 3. Got as close as possible to the subject aircraft Therefore, he obtained a very large depth of field.

Knowing the shooting method, let’s calculate exactly how much depth of field there is. I’ve been using an app like this for a few years, which allows calculating depth of field by setting the camera model, lens focal length, and subject distance.

1 You can see that using a Canon 5D4, focal length 24mm, aperture f/8, at a distance of 500 meters from the aircraft, the depth of field is from 2.38 meters to infinity. It looks like at f/8, the foreground might be blurry.

2 Using a Canon 5D4, focal length 24mm, aperture f/11, at a distance of 500 meters from the aircraft, the depth of field is from 1.69 meters to infinity. I feel this aperture is still a bit insufficient.

3 Using a Canon 5D4, focal length 24mm, aperture f/16, at a distance of 500 meters from the aircraft, the depth of field is from 1.2 meters to infinity. Hmm, with this aperture, it should be sufficient.

4 Using a Canon 5D4, focal length 24mm, aperture f/16, at a distance of 2000 meters from the aircraft, the depth of field remains from 1.2 meters to infinity. It looks like for shooting this kind of contextual aircraft photography, f/16 is basically enough.