135mm L AF distance switch

[jdkeck]

What is the reason for the AF distance selection switch on the 135mm L lens?

In advance, Thanks,
Jeff

[Jon]

It's a focus limiter. If you set it to the larger distance, the lens won't try to focus closer than that, which will reduce hunting for focus and speed up the process.

[Psychic1]

It's a focus limiter. If you set it to the larger distance, the lens won't try to focus closer than that, which will reduce hunting for focus and speed up the process.

Example - shooting thru a chain link fence.

[jdkeck]

Thanks,
Jeff

[Lani Kai]

I wish certain other lenses had this function, such as the 85L and the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8

[Tareq]

so can we use this function to shoot matches in fields as mostly players are far away from the lens?

[Jon]

To quote your sig, YUP

[superdiver]

Is this the ONLY lens with this feature?

[Jon]

No. I've got it on my 70-200 f/2.8 IS, my 100-400 IS and my Tamron 90 mm macro, for starters. Most longer lenses, or lenses with extreme close focus, will have it.

[sjafari]

Is this the ONLY lens with this feature?

My Sigma 180mm Macro has the switch, and i know i have seen it on other lenses as well (the 70-200 f/2.8 IS possibly?). It has been incredibly handy for my macro lens, as it the range of focus is HUGE.

[jdkeck]

Is this the ONLY lens with this feature?


From the instruction manual that came with the 135 f/2L; the 135 f/2L, the 200 f/2.8L, the 300 f/4L, and the 400 f/5.6L share the feature.

Jeff

[grego]

^^there's certaintly more than that(at least from the Canon realm).

[jdkeck]

^^there's certaintly more than that(at least from the Canon realm).

Several other canon lens besides the ones I listed have already been mentioned as having the feature. I only listed the ones that I knew about and didn't say it was an exclusive list.

Jeff

[MDJAK]

Grego didn't say you said it was an exclusive list. Grego was just pointing out that there are more.

Personally, I rarely use that switch, because I forget I set it and then wonder why it won't focus close.

mark

[grego]

Several other canon lens besides the ones I listed have already been mentioned as having the feature. I only listed the ones that I knew about and didn't say it was an exclusive list.

Jeff


Sorry, I didn't mean to say it that way. I just meant in general to point out. Sorry i shouldn't form sentences at 7 am if i have been up all day.

[Merciez]

I tried shooting some pics last nigth of a HS basketball game with the 135L using the lower focus setting, the focus speed was very slooow. It made the 85 f1.8 look like a speed demon, the lens did not stay on the camera body for very long.

Hopefully the focus speed is greatly improved with the higher focus distance setting. I need to start reading the manuals for the glass I purchase ;)

[jdkeck]

Sorry, I didn't mean to say it that way. I just meant in general to point out. Sorry i shouldn't form sentences at 7 am if i have been up all day.

I probably reacted more than I should have.

This is still a very civil forum.

Peace on Earth :D .

Jeff