Focusing distance range question

[RTMiller]

My Canon 70-200mm L IS lens has a switch that changes the focusing distance range from '1.4m to infinity' to '2.5m to infinity'. Is there some reason why I shouldn't just set it 1.4m to get that little extra focusing distance all the time?

[RockOne]

If most of your subjects are at a distance greater than 2.5 metres then you should find the focusing quicker becuase the travel in the lens is limited. If your subject is closer then you will need the extra distance available. If you are shooting stationary or slow moving objects then the focus time shouldn't be a problem and it might be more convenient to just use the full focus distance. This is just my opinion though - I don't unfortunately own that particular lens (yet :-) )

[RockOne]

Another point - I guess that if it moves less, it also causes less wear on the motor and moving parts, and also uses less battery power.

[Mills]

I always USE THAT SWITCH. Overall focus performance is better with it. In cases where something changes and the switch is in the wrong position, the lens will hunt.