foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

just received my new EF 100mm 2.8L macro. but I find that the instructions do a poor job of explaining what the selector that has "FULL....0.5-INFINITY......& 0.3M-0.5M".. what is the purpose of each and when might I use them?

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

that is your focus range limiter switch.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Foathog, the reason for this limiter when you use auto-focus is to speed the auto focusing process - set to full the lens will hunt for focus over the entire possible focusing range, but if you are taking normal (i.e. - not macro) shots you likely don't need it to waste time hunting for focus at distances less than half a meter from you (unless you are REALLY close to the kid playing soccer or something!). Meanwhile, if you are shooting macro and use auto-focus (a practice most recommend against, including myself) then setting the switch to .3-.5M would essentially tell the system not to even try to find focus at distances beyond half a meter, since if you are that far from your subject you won't be getting a macro shot anyway.

hannaco Loc: People's Republic of California

Place in the 'Full' position to use the entire range from infinity to half a meter. Place into the other position to limit the range from .3 to half a meter.
Use the lower range for macro work, use the full range for everything else.

10MPlayer Loc: California

good discussion. i have the same lens but i didn't know about that.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

You now own a fine macro lens. I invite you to view the UHH True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html . This is the forum to ask questions or discuss macro equipment and macro techniques, as well as share macro images.

Before posting macro images to the Macro Forum, please read Introduction to True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-22447-1.html . Each & every thread must contain at least one true macro-photograph.

To place Macro Forum on your UHH home page, you can subscribe here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/section_list.jsp .

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

thanks, I'll check it out. I had two macro lenses with my Canon F1 in the "old time" film age. LOL

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

thanks to everyone for your help. I have heard that it might be better to manual focus in macro. that shouldn't be hard to do for me. I grew up with manual focus.