DOF preview button- do you really use it? When?

<p ><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=254757">Richard Cochran</a> , Jul 11, 2009; 11:57 p.m.<br>

I find it most useful in macro photography, and not for what you might think initially. I don't use it to judge what will be "sharp enough" versus "almost sharp enough"....<br>

Ie. check the background and surrounding objects.<br>

That's a good idea. Thanks.</p>

 

<p>In theory, the DOF button is very handy. In practice, like others, I can't see a thing because it darkens the viewfinder so much. For macro it would seem to be useful IF there's enough light. For portraits you're probably wide open or close to wide open anyway so no need for it. Like your instincts told you, after you've used the lens a while you will know how the shot will look at which aperture. There's no substitute to knowing your equipment.</p>

<p>I use it on every shot. When im using an SLR, i like to see how everything will look at a certain aperture, often after checking i akeadjustments to f stop and/or focus to get the look I want.<br>

With LF, i simply stop the lens down before closing the shutter, I take another peek in between to make sure im getting he shot I want.</p>

<p>Of course, being 19 my eyes are still very good and I can see fine stopped down through f/22 on a normal day. I imagine as my eyes get worse and worse I will just have to guess from experiance.</p>