Step by step How to preview depth of field

Determine how much of your shot is going be in focus before you take it

Use the viewfinder

Normally the viewfinder uses the widest aperture of the lens, regardless of the setting you’ve dialled in, so depth of field is at a minimum.

Press for a preview

Many Nikon DSLRS have a DOF Preview button next to the lens mount. Pressing this closes the aperture opening down to the selected setting.

Ignore brightness

Pressing the DOF Preview button darkens the viewfinder image as less light enters the lens, but will also give an idea of the increase in depth of field.

Look with Live View

If your camera doesn’t have a DOF preview button, use Live View. On a mirrorless Nikon, the viewfinder display reflects the aperture and exposure settings.

Get a close-up

In Live View you can zoom in on any part of the frame to assess sharpness of your shot. Move the selected area using the multi-selector.

Reframe the shot

Similarly, you can also inspect the image closely on playback, using the same button to zoom in and the multi-selector to move.