[photo-3d] depth of field

["Michael Galazin" <RexLion@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Can anyone tell me what factors govern a 35mm lens' depth of field?  Does a
greater DOF indicate a better quality lens, or one of a greater diameter, or
what?  I was trying to predict what my DOF would be with my Wirgin stereo,
so I looked at my other cameras to see if they all run about the same.  They
are similar, but far from identical in this regard.  I see that my Realist
3.5 at (for example) F8 will give good DOF from infinity to 9 feet; by
comparison my FED B-O-Y at F8 is sharp from infinity to 10 feet; and my
Realist 45 DOF at F8 extends from infinity to about 6.5 feet.  All of these
lenses are supposed to be 35mm.  So I'm wondering, does the greater DOF of
the 45's Steinheil Munchen Cassars indicate better lens sharpness overall
than the David Whites on my Stereo Realist?  If not, what is the reason for
this DOF variation?

Best regards,

Mike Galazin