# OptimumCS-Pro — Optimum Camera Settings - Pro > Calculates optimal camera settings for maximum image sharpness, balancing diffraction and defocus. (iPhone/iPad app by George Douvos.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimumcs-pro/id437724859 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [George Douvos](https://appshunter.io/developer/395931674) - Category: Photo & Video, Utilities - Price: $9.99 - Rating: 4.80/5 from 8 App Store ratings · 16 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.0 · 2 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2011-05-19 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimumcs-pro/id437724859/reviews.md ## What is OptimumCS? OptimumCS-Pro is the unique Optimum Camera Settings tool for imaging professionals — for photographers, cinematographers and videographers. As a professional, you spend a fortune on quality optics — OptimumCS-Pro helps you use that expensive gear to its full potential. In all imaging work where you require the sharpest possible image across a depth range, OptimumCS-Pro is far superior to any depth of field calculator. You know that stopping down decreases image blur caused by defocus, but you also know that, on the other hand, it increases blur caused by diffraction. So you don't want to stop down too far. What, then, is the optimum aperture? And what is the optimum focus distance? OptimumCS-Pro is designed to answer precisely those questions. And it alone gets the workflow right: • Decide what are the nearest and furthest objects in your scene that need to be sharp. • Set their distances in OptimumCS-Pro, and set the focal length of your lens. • The app instantly displays the focus distance and aperture that minimise the combined effects of defocus blur and diffraction. Yes, you'll have the sharpest image across the desired depth that the laws of physics will allow (and therefore, in all cases, sharper than what you'll get via traditional practice). But what's also great is that it couldn't be any easier, simpler and faster! OptimumCS-Pro's instant results are perfect for creative professionals who don’t want their tools to get in the way of their work or their art. In addition to the basic outputs, OptimumCS-Pro displays image sharpness information, so you'll know if your shot will be sharp enough to meet your needs. Also included is data on shooting at other than optimal settings. Can’t shoot at the optimum aperture, because, for example, you need a faster shutter speed afforded by a wider aperture? You’ll know exactly what the effect of your decisions will be. A few words on the "pro" version: OptimumCS-Pro retains the elegant, uncluttered look of OptimumCS, adds expanded functionality and adds options to configure functionality to better meet your individual needs: • User-definable focal length presets allow lightning-fast focal length selection. • Numerical readouts for distances and aperture complement the analog scales. • The optimum aperture snaps to your choice of the nearest 1/3 stop or the nearest 1/2 stop. • The aperture scale shows 1/3 stop or 1/2 stop markers (user selectable). • The aperture scale can be set to display apertures to f/22 or f/64. • Several different distance scales, emphasising near or far distances, are available, as is one for use with Hansma’s focus shift method in large format photography. • An optional "distance snap" function makes the distance slider even easier to use. • The facility to set wavelength is available for those working in the infrared or ultraviolet part of the spectrum. • The wavelength selection button gives a visual indication of the spectral range in which you are working (visible, IR or UV). • A marker can be placed on the blur spot diameter scale as a reminder of what you consider acceptable blur sizes. For further information on the right tool for the job, check out "Best Practice in Working With Depth of Field" at www.georgedouvos.com ## Key features - Calculates optimum aperture and focus distance - Minimizes defocus blur and diffraction - Displays image sharpness information - User-definable focal length presets - Numerical readouts for distance and aperture - Configurable aperture stops and scales - Adjustable distance scales and snap function ## Recent user reviews (10 of 16) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimumcs-pro/id437724859/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Ever wondered why the mountains in your photos look out of focus at f22? *2019-06-08* This app will help you with the calculations required to minimize the diffraction effect on your photographs. I use it for landscapes, but you can do the calculations starting at 0.3 meters. This is a must if you want to do the mentioned calculations fast while on location, especially if you already invested in a good camera an lens and want to get the best out of your system. ### 5/5 — A must have for landscape photographers! *2018-10-14* Where should I focus, what aperture value should I use? Using an arbitrary aperture value is not going to give you the sharpest image, do to defocus-blur and diffraction. Somebody has already figured this all out and has put it in very easy use app :) ### 2/5 — Terrible interface *2016-08-25, version 5.0* Great app but the new interface colours are terrible. Please put it back to the old colours. ### 5/5 — Excellent! *2016-08-24, version 5.0* Excellent work George! New interface is awesome! Please keep it up. I didn't like icon colours though. ### 5/5 — Nice rewrite. Great UI *2016-08-23* Great UI in the new version ### 5/5 — Great App if You Value Sharp Images *2015-12-24* If you spend big bucks on a high resolution camera and lens, then you need this app to get the results you want. Say you are shooting an interior with a 24mm lens. You need everything in focus that falls between 5 meters and 20 meters. Where do you focus and what aperture do you use? If you guess wrong you will not get your optimum image. The answer is you focus at 8 meters and use an aperture of 5.6. And if you are using a high resolution camera like the Sony A7Rii, your results will be off the charts. Get the app. ### 3/5 — Not terribly useful. *2015-02-21* The description of this app sounds promising, but for landscape photographers who want a deep depth of field it really does not tell you what you don't already know. Additionally, it has an arrow of where you should focus but it does not tell you what that number is, it simply just had an arrow between 10-15 feet. Not very precise when that is kind of the point of this app. If I had to do it over again I would not purchase. ### 1/5 — Don't buy *2013-08-23* This app is absolutely useless! ### 5/5 — Eye Opening App for Photographers *2012-10-24* This app is great for teaching purposes, as well as out in the field. The fact that it approaches the task of setting the aperture from the photographer's point of view - give it the near/far distance and it gives you the aperture helps my students quickly achieve better quality images. Additionally they visually see the affects of changing positions of the subject and how that impacts the best aperture. Interestingly all the calculations (if you read the provided information) show that lens manufacturers should simply make lenses with aperture ranges around the "sweet spot" and forego those narrower apertures. This eye-opening app should be on every photography instructor's list of equipment for class. ### 1/5 — Values are way off *2012-10-03, version 2.0* Doesn't work. Needs to be updated. ## Frequently asked questions about OptimumCS ### What is OptimumCS-Pro? OptimumCS-Pro is a professional tool designed to calculate the ideal camera aperture and focus distance for achieving the sharpest possible image. It helps users balance the effects of defocus blur and diffraction to optimize their shots. ### How does OptimumCS-Pro help photographers? It assists imaging professionals by providing precise calculations for aperture and focus distance, ensuring they utilize their expensive camera gear to its fullest potential for maximum image sharpness across a desired depth of field. ### What makes OptimumCS-Pro better than traditional depth of field calculators? OptimumCS-Pro goes beyond traditional calculators by considering both defocus blur and diffraction, offering a more accurate calculation for the optimum aperture and focus distance. This results in sharper images than typically achieved through standard practices. ### Can I adjust settings in OptimumCS-Pro? Yes, the 'Pro' version offers expanded functionality with user-definable focal length presets, numerical readouts, and configurable aperture stops and scales. You can also adjust distance scales and use an optional 'distance snap' function. ### What is the price of OptimumCS-Pro? OptimumCS-Pro is available for a one-time purchase of $9.99. ### Is OptimumCS-Pro available on Android? Based on the provided data, OptimumCS-Pro is supported on iPhone and iPad devices, but information regarding Android availability is not specified. ### How often is OptimumCS-Pro updated? The latest version of OptimumCS-Pro is 6.1, which was last updated on September 26, 2018. This indicates a less frequent update cycle for the application. ### Does OptimumCS-Pro have ads? No, OptimumCS-Pro does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application designed for professional use without interruptions. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 6.1 — 2018-09-26 This is a wee update to bring support for iOS 12 and the various new iPhone X models. Don't forget the key Version 6.0 updates: *The interface gets an even cleaner, more spacious look. Simply slide the pointers on the distance scale to set distances (the old slider “thumbs” are now gone). Note that you do not need to keep your finger on a pointer as you slide it — you can move your finger to the side as you slide, all the better to see where the pointer is pointing. *The pointers themselves can be set to display numerical readouts of distance. Or, if you prefer, you can have a readout of image blur for the objects at your selected distances. Or, if you would like fewer numbers on your display, just leave the pointers blank (that’s the default setting). Go to the settings screen to select your preference. ### 6.0 — 2018-09-11 The interface gets an even cleaner, more spacious look. Simply slide the pointers on the distance scale to set distances (the old slider “thumbs” are now gone). Note that you do not need to keep your finger on a pointer as you slide it — you can move your finger to the side, all the better to see where the pointer is pointing. The pointers themselves can be set to display numerical readouts of distance. Or, if you prefer, you can have a readout of image blur for the objects at your selected distances. Or, if you would like fewer numbers on your display, just leave the pointers blank (that’s the default setting). Go to the settings screen to select your preference. There are all manner of minor changes, including a more punchy colour scheme. ### 5.2 — 2017-11-02 Support for iPhone X ### 5.1 — 2017-01-22 A more pleasant colour scheme, plus several small interface tweaks. Of course, all the new features of the last major upgrade are still there: • Numerical readouts for optimum focus distance and aperture have been added as a complement to the analog scales. • The optimum aperture snaps to your choice of the nearest 1/3 stop or the nearest 1/2 stop. • The aperture scale now shows 1/3 stop or 1/2 stop markers (user selectable). • The aperture scale can be set to display apertures to f/22 or f/64. • A marker can be placed on the blur spot diameter scale as a reminder of what you consider acceptable blur sizes. • Distance units are changed directly on the main screen by tapping the m / ft button. • An optional "distance snap" function has been added, to make the distance slider even easier to use. • The Settings screen has been simplified (but presents more options). • The option for displaying image sharpness in line pairs per mm (a concept more familiar to physicists than photographers) has been removed in favour of simply showing blur spot diameter (circle of confusion). • The distance scale selection buttons now give a visual indication of their intended use. • The wavelength selection button on the main screen gives a visual indication of the spectral range in which you are working (visible, IR or UV). • Labels can be hidden, for a cleaner interface. • Several info (help) buttons have been added. And there are lots of other, smaller improvements. Enjoy! And if you like this app, check out TrueDoF-Pro and FocusStacker, both newly updated! ### 5.0 — 2016-08-23 Completely rewritten, with a cleaner, more up-to-date look, and a more interactive feel. The list of improvements is a long one: • Numerical readouts for optimum focus distance and aperture have been added as a complement to the analog scales. • The optimum aperture snaps to your choice of the nearest 1/3 stop or the nearest 1/2 stop. • The aperture scale now shows 1/3 stop or 1/2 stop markers (user selectable). • The aperture scale can be set to display apertures to f/22 or f/64. • A marker can be placed on the blur spot diameter scale as a reminder of what you consider acceptable blur sizes. • Distance units are changed directly on the main screen by tapping the m / ft button. • An optional "distance snap" function has been added, to make the distance slider even easier to use. • The Settings screen has been simplified (but presents more options). • The option for displaying image sharpness in line pairs per mm (a concept more familiar to physicists than photographers) has been removed in favour of simply showing blur spot diameter (circle of confusion). • The distance scale selection buttons now give a visual indication of their intended use. • The wavelength selection button on the main screen gives a visual indication of the spectral range in which you are working (visible, IR or UV). • Labels can be hidden, for a cleaner interface. • Several info (help) buttons have been added. And there are lots of other, smaller improvements. Oh, and there's a new icon, and the file size is much smaller. Enjoy! And if you like this app, check out TrueDoF-Pro and FocusStacker, both newly updated! ## More apps by George Douvos - [OptimumCS](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/optimumcs/id395931671) - [TrueDoF-Pro DoF Calculator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/truedof-pro-dof-calculator/id517481814) - [TrueDoF-Intro DoF Calculator](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/truedof-intro-dof-calculator/id519600295) - [FocusStacker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/focusstacker/id648686483) All apps by George Douvos: https://appshunter.io/developer/395931674 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*