How to use focus range limit: Taking the Sony RX10M5 telephoto as an example

Focus Range Limitation Will Exclude a Section of Focusing Distance

Focus range limitation allows autofocus to work only within a specified distance range. The available ranges and display prompts vary by device; the following only introduces official information for the Sony RX10M5.

RX10M5: Telephoto Allows Selection of Approximately 3 m to Infinity

When shooting at a 35mm equivalent focal length of 150mm or longer in telephoto, setting the switch to ∞–3 m causes the camera to focus on subjects approximately 3 m to infinity. Sony describes its purpose as avoiding focusing on nearby subjects and faster focusing on distant subjects; the manual does not specify the time or degree of speed improvement.〔G-FRL-01〕〔G-FRL-02〕

Check FULL / LIMIT Status and Pay Attention to Focal Length Conditions

FULL indicates that the limit is not applied; LIMIT indicates that it is applied, with a range of approximately 3 m to infinity. At equivalent focal lengths below 150mm, even if the switch is set to ∞–3 m, the camera still displays FULL and uses the entire shooting distance range. Sony notes that the actual minimum distance may vary slightly depending on usage conditions.〔G-FRL-03〕〔G-FRL-04〕

Do Not Treat a Single Model Setting as a Universal Lens Rule

Other camera bodies or lenses may have different settings, distance ranges, or limitation methods. Consult the manual for the respective device before use; this example does not prove that a certain setting is suitable for all telephoto or macro scenarios, nor does it guarantee a fixed autofocus speed improvement.