# TrueDoF-Intro DoF Calculator — user reviews

> 37 indexed App Store user reviews of TrueDoF by George Douvos, rated 3.90/5 from 9 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/truedof-intro-dof-calculator/id519600295/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/truedof-intro-dof-calculator/id519600295.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 6 · 4★ 0 · 3★ 1 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 2

## Newest reviews (11 of 37)

### 3/5 — Not so great

*2016-12-20, version 2.0*

Difference between black line distances doesn't agree with total on the bottom.

### 3/5 — Needs a few tweaks

*2015-07-18, version 1.3*

I like the visual indicators and I am okay with the idea of the shrinking DoF at smaller apertures. I want a readout of the slider settings (it could be in the slider legend area), "soft" stops on the sliders for common settings, and ability to tap and directly enter numeric values.

### 3/5 — Nice interface but...

*2014-10-24, version 1.3*

I think there should be an override for diffraction limiter so the user can decide what is acceptable sharpness.

### 4/5 — Seems pretty accurate

*2013-12-24, version 1.3*

I've shot controlled diffraction tests through all my cameras, and this seems quite accurate. The only thing I'd note is that it doesn't take pixel size into account. As the individual pixels on a certain size sensor decrease, the noticeable effects of diffraction increase. 

Technically it looks about right, but they should specify that the depth of field is still increasing at f16, f22, and so on, even though the image is becoming blurrier, which is an important difference in macro photography where diffraction limited images may be objectively better because wider apertures result in too shallow of a depth of field. 

4 out of 5 only because they're treating DOF and diffraction as the same thing, otherwise this looks good and works really well.

### 4/5 — Works exactly as it should

*2013-10-12, version 1.3*

The other reviews are right - this shows DoF going down as f number increases. That's because this is the only app I've encountered which takes account of diffraction effects digital Bayer sensors. I'd give it 5 stars if it had the option to ignore this effect for e.g. film cameras.

### 4/5 — This is perfect!

*2013-10-12, version 1.3*

This has the best ui for such an app. Thank you for this! Though there might be a big with some settings are high than f11 where it goes to 0 and shouldn't be the case

### 5/5 — Life saver!

*2013-09-02, version 1.2*

App does exactly what it says and is very accurate. It's been a tremendous tool for planning shots.

### 4/5 — No 1.2

*2013-07-06, version 1.1*

This is a nice clean app but only goes down to 1.4.

### 5/5 — Wow!

*2013-03-09, version 1.1*

Excellent little app. Intuitive, quick interface. No ads.

### 5/5 — Effective

*2013-02-05, version 1.1*

Really nice and simple app, you don't need to type the parameters, just slide.

### 5/5 — Fantastic Little App

*2013-02-02, version 1.1*

I've never use this little app in the field. However, each time I go on a photo shoot I spend some time with this little toy, and the result has been that my hyperfocal points have generally been dead on. This app is an invaluable tool!

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Ph0to Ph1l

*2015-05-07, version 1.3*

Nice idea. I like the way the sliders show the DOF but it has bugs. At small apertures, DOF collapses to zero.

### 1/5 — Incorrect Calculation

*2014-10-10, version 1.3*

Great interface, but the calculation is totaly wrong for f-stop numbers above f/16 or so.  Not usable for my purposes.

### 1/5 — Great interface

*2013-12-26, version 1.3*

..But error in calculation. This shows DOF DECREASING above a certain f-stop. In fact it should increase. Author should have compared with other calculators to verify.

### 1/5 — Doesn't work with film cameras digital only

*2013-05-14, version 1.1*

Complete waste of time 
I didn't even get to see how accurate it is as there's not options to use with film cameras. I only shoot on 6x9 medium format film at the moment

### 1/5 — Wish it worked

*2013-03-05, version 1.1*

The last review is spot on. If the maths was right this would be really nice. As it it it's pretty much useless. Deleted.

### 1/5 — Nice GUI, BUT Diffraction does not decrease DOF at high f-stops!

*2012-10-02, version 1.1*

A nice GUI design isn't everything. This app incorrectly shows depth of field decreasing above f/16 with 35mm format. That's not technically accurate: it's quite wrong. Diffraction, due to stopping down very far, does blur the image but does not affect depth of field. DOF continues to increase even as diffraction blur decreases resolution while stopping down. At some point the diffraction blur becomes bigger than the circle of confusion, which is chosen by the photographer for best results (or by textbook value or lens-maker value), but it affects all parts of the picture: at the plane of true focus, in the depth of field, and outside the DOF. At any rate, sometimes you need more depth of field than can be given by staying with your desired circle of confusion, so you may have to sacrifice some resolution to diffraction to get adequate (if less than optimum) resolution in front of and behind the main subject at the plane of focus. Also this app does not go down to macro distances like iDof Calc does.

### 2/5 — Does not work with small apertures

*2015-09-03, version 1.3*

Nice clean interface, not very graphical BUT the results are wrong. Try closing down aperture on 200mm lens and dof decreases in this app!

### 2/5 — Bad algorithm

*2013-07-09*

The interface is great but I don't agree with the algorithm. The effect due to diffraction seems way too high. For example the app shows virtual no DoF at f/22 for any focal lengths on FF; In practice that is just not the case.

### 2/5 — Digital only - disappointed

*2013-06-21, version 1.1*

Many digital users ( me included) tend to rely on the instant review capabilities of digital and don't tend to rely too much on measuring and calculating. Where tools like this come into their own is with film, where you can only check the results days or weeks later after paying for the processing ( or spending hours in the darkroom). Very disappointing then to discover you can only enter digital sensors up to 35mm.

### 2/5 — Nice interface but...

*2013-02-26, version 1.1*

…hopelessly inaccurate.

Setup is a breeze and the app is beautifully simple to use, hence the 2 stars.

However, as far as I know, depth-of-field increases as aperture decreases. Not according to this app. 
All seems well with the aperture slider below f10 but the depth-of-field rapidly drops off to zero above f11.

Pretty but useless - could be excellent. I await an update.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Perfect

*2023-09-09, version 3.0*

Simple. Useful. Accurate. Thank you.

### 5/5 — The most underrated tool in your bag

*2023-01-02, version 3.0*

Ignore the rules of hyperfocal distance at your peril. Whether you shoot film or digital you should be aware of the effects. This tool does a fantastic job of visualising the process and is a great aid in the field. For those who think this is a “waste of time”, “not necessary for digital or modern lenses”.. just carry on capturing your soft images, it’s your loss.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2016-11-16, version 2.0*

Wonderful little app.  Perfect for helping me on my journey to zone focusing.  I will be purchasing the paid app. The paid app lets one customize f-stops etc.  thanks.

### 5/5 — Great interface!

*2016-02-26, version 1.3*

Very slick. Easy. One thumb navigation.

### 5/5 — My favourite

*2015-08-02, version 1.3*

Simple, clean intuitive interface. Very quick and easy to use between shots. Love the sliding graphics.

### 5/5 — Great app

*2014-12-23, version 1.3*

Helped me easily compare DoF between a point shoot I was about to purchase and my current DSLR.

### 5/5 — Does one thing and does it very well!

*2014-10-27, version 1.3*

There are a lot of DoF apps out there but this one presents the settings and results in a very concise and logical way.  After using it for a little while I “upgraded” to the full version (not the PRO version) to get the Hyperfocal distance function, although you can certainly get that from this app.  Highly recommended for landscape photographers.

### 5/5 — Superb app!

*2014-07-19, version 1.3*

I use both a 4s and a D800:- this app is great whichever I'm using, but I will be upgrading to the pro apps from this developer shortly. Thanks very much.

### 5/5 — This is the only DOF app photographers should use!

*2014-02-28, version 1.3*

This app is amazing.  That said, it also takes some reading and understanding to use it correctly.  Some of the other reviewers here are miss-understanding the point.  Yes, they are correct in their observation of how DOF "should" increases with larger f numbers.  Whereas the app indicates a decrease in DOF as the f number increases.  The app is indicating that diffraction is softening the image as the f number increases.  This is correct.  So, yes, we do get more DOF with higher f numbers, but softer less sharp images.  Therefore, there's no point in having great DOF if it's not sharp.  

Here's the thing, by definition, DOF is what will "appear" in sharp focus.  DOF is a sum of sensor size, focal, distance, aperture, diffraction, viewing size, viewing distance and the viewer’s interpretation.  Notice that diffraction is one of the elements of DOF, not contradicting it.  The app is just helping you by preventing you from using an f number that is so unsharp that you will most likely not be able to use the image (a decrease in what is in acceptable focus/sharpness). So, the app is correct. And the reviewers are correct (from a technical/math point view if diffraction is not considered), but the app is factoring in more than just math. 

As a professional photography trainer, I use all of George's apps every day in my teaching and consulting.  And they work!  For most users, it is a bit confusing.  Therefore, I highly suggest you visit the developer's website and read his articles on DOF, sharpness and diffraction.  After that, you will never want to use anther DOF app again (nor should you).

### 5/5 — Great!

*2013-12-30, version 1.3*

Better than the other apps because you adjust the distance and appature   with sliders.  You can easily compare and help yourself remember values.

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*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 2026-06-11.*
