1. A method for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of: positioning at least one of the camera and a symbol to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the symbol to be imaged; obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position; and after each image is obtained and while obtaining additional images, attempting to perform the vision process on the images; wherein the vision process includes one of locating a symbol in obtained images and decoding a symbol in obtained images.