Focusing On Infinity With Lumix: A Step-By-Step Guide

Focusing on infinity can be challenging, especially when photographing in low-light conditions or at night. The Lumix camera has a manual focus option, which can be accessed by changing the AF/MF switch to MF. Once in manual focus mode, you can adjust the focal ring to the right or left until you see the infinity symbol (∞). This will ensure that objects at an infinite distance are in sharp focus. It is important to note that modern autofocus lenses tend to focus past infinity, so there may not be a hard stop on the focus ring. Additionally, changes in temperature and focal length can also affect the spot for focusing to infinity. When focusing on infinity, it is recommended to use a tripod and set the aperture to a high f-number, such as f/22 or higher.

Use a tripod and set the aperture to the highest f-number

When focusing on infinity with a Lumix camera, it is recommended that you use a tripod and set the aperture to the highest f-number. This is because a high f-number (or f-stop) results in a small aperture, which increases the depth of field of your image, keeping both the foreground and background in focus. This is ideal for landscape photography, where you want to capture a sharp image from the foreground to the horizon.

The f-number is the ratio of the lens focal length to the diameter of the entrance pupil. It is also known as the focal ratio, f-ratio, or f-stop, and it is key in determining the depth of field, diffraction, and exposure of a photograph. The higher the f-number, the smaller the aperture, and the less light that enters the camera. This also results in a longer exposure time, as less light is being let in.

When using a high f-number, it is recommended to use a tripod to stabilise the camera, as this will result in a sharper image. This is because a small aperture lets in less light, and the camera will need to use a longer exposure time to compensate. A tripod will prevent the camera from moving during this longer exposure time, reducing the risk of a blurry image.

To set your Lumix camera to a high f-number, you will need to switch to manual mode. This will allow you to adjust the aperture to the desired setting. The specific steps to do this will depend on your particular Lumix model, but it usually involves navigating to the camera settings and adjusting the aperture value.

Focus on a distant object during daylight

Focusing on infinity will not give you the widest depth of field. This is best achieved by focusing on a point two-thirds of the way to the horizon, known as the hyperfocal distance.

If you want to focus on a distant object during daylight with your Lumix camera, you should first set your camera to manual focus. You can do this by locating the AF/MF switch on your lens and moving it to the MF setting.

Next, you'll need to locate the focus ring on your lens. Some lenses have two focus rings that can be rotated. If your lens has two rings, turn the smaller focal ring all the way to the right and then all the way to the left until you see the infinity symbol.

Now, look through your viewfinder and point your lens at a distant object that you want to photograph. Using the focus ring, adjust the focus until the object appears sharp. If you can't get a sharp focus, try moving closer to or further away from the object.

It's also recommended to use a tripod when attempting this technique, as you'll likely be using a high aperture (e.g. f/22 or higher).

Additionally, if you're using a lens with distance scales, you can try setting your camera to manual focus and then turning it off and on again. Some lenses are close to infinity focus when they initially power on, so this can be an easy way to get a rough infinity focus.

Take a photo of the focus ring at infinity focus

Taking a photo of the focus ring at infinity focus is a great way to help you set the proper focus in low-light conditions. This technique is especially useful for night-time star photography, where the camera's autofocus system may struggle due to the lack of light.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to take a photo of the focus ring at infinity focus:

• Set your lens to manual focus mode. On some lenses, there is an AF/MF switch that you can use to change to manual focus mode.
• Locate the focus ring on your lens. The focus ring is usually one of the two rotatable rings on the lens. It may have an infinity symbol (∞) marked on it.
• Rotate the focus ring until it reaches the infinity symbol. This indicates that your lens is focused to infinity, where objects at an infinite distance will be in sharp focus.
• Take a snapshot of the focus ring at the infinity focus setting. This reference photo will help you quickly adjust your focus ring to the correct position when shooting in low-light conditions.
• If you have a zoom lens, set your desired focal length before taking the snapshot. The focus at infinity may vary slightly at different focal lengths.
• It is recommended to use the exact lens/body combination you plan to use for your night shots when taking the reference photo, as even lenses of the same model can have slight variations due to manufacturing tolerances.
• Secure the focus ring in place with gaffer tape to prevent accidental adjustments.

Now that you have a photo of your focus ring at infinity focus, you can use it as a reference when setting up for your night-time or low-light shots. Simply adjust your focus ring to match the position in the reference photo, and you'll be all set to capture sharp and focused images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Focus on a bright planet or star

Focusing on a bright planet or star is a great way to achieve sharp images when shooting at night. Here are some tips for focusing on a bright celestial body with your Lumix camera:

Use Live View Mode

Turn on the "live-view" mode on your camera, which turns the display screen into a live video of what your sensor sees. This will allow you to see and focus on the bright planet or star. Zoom in on your focus point to the maximum available, then move your focus point so that it is directly over the celestial body.

Utilize Starlight AF

Lumix cameras like the S5, GH6, GH5M2, and G9 have a feature called Starlight AF. This function temporarily increases the ISO, creating a brighter scene and allowing the autofocus system to lock focus on the planet or star.

Focus on the Brightest Object

Whether it's a planet or a star, try to focus on the brightest object in the night sky. Planets like Venus, Jupiter, Mars, or Saturn are usually brighter than stars and can be easier to focus on.

Use a Special Display Mode

Some cameras have a special display mode like Starlight View (Nikon) or Bright Monitoring (Sony) that boosts the brightness of the viewfinder or monitor without affecting the final exposure. This can help with composition and focus in low-light conditions.

Take Test Shots

Even if you think you've achieved focus, it's a good idea to take test shots and review them. Crank up your ISO setting to very high values like 12,800 or 25,600. This will result in very noisy images, but it will allow you to take quicker exposures for testing purposes. Zoom in on the image and check the size of the stars. You want them to be as small and sharp as possible, not soft blobs of light.

Confirm Focus Regularly

If you're shooting for an extended period, periodically check your focus by zooming into your photos on the back screen of your camera. It's easy to accidentally bump the focus ring, and changes in air temperature can also affect the focus.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve sharp focus on bright planets or stars with your Lumix camera, resulting in stunning astrophotography images.

Use the AF/AE Lock function

The AF/AE Lock function on your Lumix camera is a convenient feature that allows you to fix the focus and exposure settings when taking a picture. This is especially useful when you want to photograph a subject outside the autofocus (AF) area or when there is too much contrast with the subject, and you cannot achieve the appropriate exposure.

To use the AF/AE Lock function, follow these steps:

• Point your camera at the desired subject.
• Press and hold the [AF/AE LOCK] button to fix the focus and exposure. You can release the button to cancel the lock.
• While holding the [AF/AE LOCK] button, compose your picture by moving the camera as needed.
• Fully press the shutter button to take the photo.

You can also customise the settings of the [AF/AE LOCK] button by accessing the camera's menu. Go to [MENU] → [Custom Settings] → [Focus / Release Shutter] → [AF / AE LOCK] to adjust the functions.

Additionally, you can assign the AF/AE Lock function to a specific function button. This is useful if you want to quickly access the feature while shooting. To do this, point the camera at the subject, then press and hold the assigned function button to fix the focus or exposure. Release the button to cancel the lock.

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