Lens Question: I have a Nikon 60mm 2.8D lens. I have searched the manual without success. Can someone explain to me what the focus limit switch is for and how to use it? Thanks...

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

I have a Nikon 60mm 2.8D lens. I have searched the manual without success. Can someone explain to me what the focus limit switch is for and how to use it?

Thanks

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Most macro lenses have a switch that allows Minimum Focusing Distance (required for true macro capture) known as FULL, and a LIMIT setting so lens acts like a standard, non-close focusing lens. Supposedly, the LIMIT setting prevents Auto-Focus from racking or searching all the way down to MFD during normal photography.

Nikon AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D

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amehta Loc: Boston

Nikonian72 wrote:

Most macro lenses have a switch that allows Minimum Focusing Distance (required for true macro capture) known as FULL, and a LIMIT setting so lens acts like a standard, non-close focusing lens. Supposedly, the LIMIT setting prevents Auto-Focus from racking or searching all the way down to MFD during normal photography.

If you have a macro or close-up photography question and Nikonian72 responds, you can generally take the answer to the bank. :thumbup:

Diveboss Loc: Miami

authorizeduser wrote:

I have a Nikon 60mm 2.8D lens. I have searched the manual without success. Can someone explain to me what the focus limit switch is for and how to use it?

Thanks

The manual on my Nikon 105mm f/2.8 states;
To limit the range of autofocus. With AF operation, if the subject is always more than 0.5m (1.6 ft) away, set the focusing limit switch to [∞−0.5m] to reduce focus time.
If the subject is sometimes 0.5m (1.6 ft) or closer, set it to [FULL].

Nikonian72 nailed it. The terminology on the lenses may be different. [Limit] - [FULL] or in my case [∞−0.5m] - [FULL]
but the results are the same.
:thumbup: :thumbup:

doduce Loc: Holly Springs NC

Nikonian72 wrote:

Most macro lenses have a switch that allows Minimum Focusing Distance (required for true macro capture) known as FULL, and a LIMIT setting so lens acts like a standard, non-close focusing lens. Supposedly, the LIMIT setting prevents Auto-Focus from racking or searching all the way down to MFD during normal photography.

But not the G version of the Nikon 60mm f/2.8. Drat!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nikonian72 wrote:

Most macro lenses have a switch that allows Minimum Focusing Distance (required for true macro capture) known as FULL, and a LIMIT setting so lens acts like a standard, non-close focusing lens. Supposedly, the LIMIT setting prevents Auto-Focus from racking or searching all the way down to MFD during normal photography.

Doesn't the 70-200mm lens have that feature, too?

authorizeduser Loc: Monroe, Michigan

Thanks everyone for the replies, it is greatly appreciated!

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

authorizeduser wrote:

I have a Nikon 60mm 2.8D lens. I have searched the manual without success. Can someone explain to me what the focus limit switch is for and how to use it?

Thanks

Most zoom lenses come with focus limiter switches too, it shortens your "working distance", so it also shortens "focus hunting" that could occur in certain situations. It's just a convenience "thing"!

Diveboss Loc: Miami

jerryc41 wrote:

Doesn't the 70-200mm lens have that feature, too?

Yes, It also has the limit switch, however the limit is [∞−5m] - [FULL].

If the subject is always more than 5m (16.4 ft) away, set the focusing limit switch to [∞−5m] to reduce focus time.
If the subject is sometimes 5m (16.4 ft) or closer, set it to [FULL]. Closest focus distance is 1.4m (4.6 ft).