Hyperfocal Distance
The focus distance that yields the greatest depth of field, extending from half that distance out to infinity.
Formula / rule
H = f² / (N × c) + f
Measured in
m
In depth
Focusing at the hyperfocal distance rather than at infinity buys an enormous amount of foreground sharpness for nothing, which is why it underpins landscape and street practice. The catch is that infinity itself is only just acceptably sharp, so for scenes where distant detail is the subject, focusing slightly beyond hyperfocal is safer.
Examples in practice
A 24 mm lens at f/11 has a hyperfocal distance near 1.8 m, so focusing there renders everything from 0.9 m to the horizon sharp.