OK Im stupid, but please help me!!! LOL

[Mel1960]

OK, just bought a 24-70mm L Canon lens off Ebay. Seems in good condition, BUT....is the 24-70 a back to front lens??? What I mean is on my 24-105 I extend the lens to bring objects nearer! Just put my 24-70 on my camera and I have to extend the lens to make things further away? I have hired the 24-70 before and can't remember it being that way round!!!
Am I just stupid??? Looked at various picture of the lens for sale and there is pictures of the white tab being at 70 unextended and at 24 unextended???
Just put me out of my misery and give me a clue.......oh and don't be to harsh as Ive never owned one before!!! :bonk:

 

[Ash.]

24 is when it's at it's longest
70 is when it's at it's shortest.

 

[Mel1960]

OK, Ive been raging for no reason!! How come its different to other lenses?

 

[Pookeyhead]

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/184-canon-ef-24-70mm-f28-usm-l-test-report--review


Normal.

The Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 is the same. Starts off at 24 slightly extended.. goes all the way in at 50, then comes out quite a long way at 24.

OK, Ive been raging for no reason!! How come its different to other lenses?

They're designed differently.. simple as that. Although it's actually quite common.

 

[Rockman]

It is counterintuitive, but that's how it works. It does mean that the lens hood is more effective than it otherwise would be.

Mike

 

[Scarecrow]

The advantage of the way the 24-70 works is that the lens hood is more effective. When at it's widest setting, and the lens hood is more likely to cause vignetting, the lens is fully extended and thus reduces that risk. Conversely, when at 70mm and vignetting by the hood less likely to be an issue, the lens is more deeply recessed taking greater advantage of the shading afforded by the lens hood.