What is hyperfocal distance, and how does it help maximize depth of field in landscape photography?

• A. Closest distance at which lens can be focused while keeping infinity acceptably sharp
• B. Farthest distance from the camera
• C. Distance at which magnification is highest
• D. Focal length related to angle of view

Answer: (A)

Hyperfocal distance is the closest distance at which you can focus the lens while keeping infinity acceptably sharp. When you focus at this distance, the depth of field extends from about half that distance all the way to infinity, so both near foreground and distant background can appear in focus in a single shot. This is why it's so valuable for landscape photography: it maximizes the range of sharpness for a given lens and aperture.

The exact distance depends on the lens focal length and the chosen aperture (and the acceptable circle of confusion you’re using to judge sharpness). Shorter focal lengths (wide-angle) have shorter hyperfocal distances and naturally yield more depth of field, while longer focal lengths require more careful stopping down to achieve the same effect. In practice, photographers use the hyperfocal distance to set a focus point that gives the broadest sharp range possible for the scene.