Question on 70-200mm f4L...

[Malaxos1]

I just got my 70-200mm f4L and so far so good. I am surprised at how sharp the images are right out of the camera (300D). Also the color saturation is awesome. Anyway I wanted to know about the little switch that says 1.2m-oo and 3m-oo (infinity), what setting do I need it set at and when? Thanks...Dean

[SWPhotoImaging]

Oh my God!, Don't touch that switch! The last guy that did hasn't been seen since. They think he may have been beamed aboard an alien craft and taken to the planet "L".

[maderito]

Time to fess up ... Did you read that short instruction booklet that came with your beautiful lens?

I know... who reads instructions for a lens? What could Canon possibly have to say other than brag about their high priced glass? You just snap that baby on and start shooting outstanding pics!

Check back if you threw away the booklet. :D

[nosquare2003]

Oh my God!, Don't touch that switch! The last guy that did hasn't been seen since. They think he may have been beamed aboard an alien craft and taken to the planet "L".

Great! Some non L zoom also has this switch. Gonna try it.

[SWPhotoImaging]

I guess I should go find the manual for my 70-200f2.8L, 'cause it has the same switch, and I don't remember what it's for . . .

[ChrisG]

I have the same lens. All the switch does is set your minimum autofocus distance. Be careful with that switch thought.... you don't want to be caught only being able to focus to 3m instead of 1.2m when you need it.

Chris

[maderito]

Thanks ChrisG - but there's more, and it's covered on page 5 of the instructions - e.g.

"by setting the suitable focusing distance range, the actual autofocusing time can be shorter" and

"if the current focusing distance is not within the focusing distance range you switch to, the lens may first stop at the start or end of the focusing range" and so on....

[randyk]

I think this feature falls in the BFD category..

[maderito]

BFD
Is that what you said when your 70-200/f4 wouldn't focus at 10 meters and you didn't realize you had to change the switch?

[randyk]

BFD
Is that what you said when your 70-200/f4 wouldn't focus at 10 meters and you didn't realize you had to change the switch?

No, because I don't change it.

[maderito]

Neither do I. So let's forward this thread along to the folks at Canon.

I agree with you. The distance switch is a feature that gives you little in the way of performance and causes enough confusion to keep forum chats from running out of fresh topics. :o

[Malaxos1]

Exactly, wht would you wan't to change the switch from 1.2 meter to infinity to 3 meters to infinity. If the camera works fine @ 1.2 meters, why change it. Unless there is a difference in sharpness...Dean

[nosquare2003]

Exactly, wht would you wan't to change the switch from 1.2 meter to infinity to 3 meters to infinity. If the camera works fine @ 1.2 meters, why change it. Unless there is a difference in sharpness...Dean

1. Under low light, the autofocus speed will be slower. By choosing the "right" switch, it will help.

2. For example, during a football match, the distance will be always longer than 3M. Why not to change the switch to speed up the autofocus process?

3. It may be more useful for non L lens where their autofocus speed is much slower.

[randyk]

Exactly, wht would you wan't to change the switch from 1.2 meter to infinity to 3 meters to infinity. If the camera works fine @ 1.2 meters, why change it. Unless there is a difference in sharpness...Dean

1. Under low light, the autofocus speed will be slower. By choosing the "right" switch, it will help.

2. For example, during a football match, the distance will be always longer than 3M. Why not to change the switch to speed up the autofocus process?

3. It may be more useful for non L lens where their autofocus speed is much slower.

Good points, may be more useful in some situations..