Focus Distance Range

[DReb-MO]

Been playing with my new baby, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, and have a question. What is the purpose of changing the focusing distance range? The options are 1.4m and 2.5m to infinity. The manual indicates that focus time is shorter with one versus the other but doesn't say which one and I can't tell the difference when I switch it. :confused:

Thanks.

[DaveG]

Been playing with my new baby, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, and have a question. What is the purpose of changing the focusing distance range? The options are 1.4m and 2.5m to infinity. The manual indicates that focus time is shorter with one versus the other but doesn't say which one and I can't tell the difference when I switch it. :confused:

Thanks.

Say you are shooting hockey from the front row of a rink. You are right up against the glass. You select 2.5M to infinity as your focus distance range. When a player skates by you, about a meter away the camera ignores it. Close things don't exist for the AF when it's in this mode so the AF doesn't hunt, while you are cursing the "one that got away".

If you want the capability to have the whole zoom range you choose the other setting.

[cmM]

Maybe you should ask Scottes :-P
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43197

[KennyG]

2.5m to infinity is faster. Canon do this for action photographers in the main. Why waste AF hunting time if you are not going to get closer than 2.5m. You may not notice the difference by feel or eye, but the ratio of in-focus shots will show it.