___________ maximizes depth of field when infinity is in the background.

Hyperfocal focus is the correct choice because it refers to a specific focus technique that maximizes the depth of field in a photograph. When the lens is focused at the hyperfocal distance, everything from half that distance out to infinity is kept in sharp focus. This technique is particularly useful in landscape photography where you often want both foreground and background elements to be in focus simultaneously.

Using hyperfocal focus is advantageous for ensuring that distant objects, particularly those at infinity, remain sharp while also maintaining detail in the foreground. This ability to extend the depth of field effectively enhances the overall sharpness and clarity of the entire scene.

In contrast, while a depth of field calculator can provide estimates for depth of field based on aperture, distance, and focal length, it does not itself maximize depth of field. Normal focus typically focuses on a specific subject at a set distance, which may not cover distant elements effectively. Lastly, the focal point technique involves focusing on a subject of interest, which may not maximize depth of field when infinity is the goal.