This week I finally started playing with very small aperatures in an effort to find the diffraction point of my lense and to capture depth of field in a single frame. Typically, for wide angle scenics I have been using aperatures between f/8 and f/11 to ensure that my images are as sharp as possible. This works great if you are using split focus techniques and combining the exposures to create infinite depth of field. But lately I have been too lazy to pay attention to technique and just kind of going with whatever the moment brings. Don't get me wrong, I really like the split focus approach, but when the sun is going down or the clouds are moving fast, it becomes increasing difficult to capture a dynamic composition.

Wednesday the clouds were looking promising so I headed out to a local golf course near my home. I have returned to this location many times over the last couple of years - hoping to get the right set of clouds over the ponds and fairways. For some reason I have yet to see the clouds form over the course its self. There always clear skies over the course - with just a hint of clouds along the fringe. There must be some natural jet stream that I am not seeing that is keeping the clouds from filling in the middle - weird.

The result of my experiments has led me to believe that at least with the super wide angle lenses (14mm) the diffraction at f/22 was not too bad and the depth of field is noticeably better then add f/11. I compared this shot with one shot at f/11 and for me it was difficult to see the difference on the screen To me that is really good new because it will mean a few less steps in post processing and more time to be out chasing the clouds!

Cheers!