Definition: Plane of Focus

Definition: Plane of Focus | Glossary entry

Plane of Focus

The Plane of Focus (PoF) is an imaginary two dimensional plane in front of the camera at the point of focus. The PoF represents the theoretical plane of sharpest focus and lies in the depth of field. The PoF lies parallel to the sensor (and perpendicular to the optical axis). Except in some special cases (tilt & shift lenses and bellows cameras), the PoF remains in the same position relative to the sensor plane when the camera tilts or changes its position/angle.

• Plane of Focus •

• Plane of Focus •
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The Plane of Focus will remain in the same position relative to the camera all the time although the distance from the camera will vary as the focus distance changes.

The plane of focus should not be confused with the focal plane. The latter is inside the camera and the plane of focus is outside the camera.

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Damon Guy (Netkonnexion)

Damon is a writer-photog and editor of this site. He has run some major websites, a computing department and a digital image library. He started out as a trained teacher and now runs training for digital photographers.
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