why switched location of focus rings on L/non-L lenses?

[SynterX]

Title says it all. The L has zooming closest to the body, manual on outer. I have to say, I'm finding it much, much easier and comfortable with this layout. So, are all L's like this?

[downtrodden]

y'know, switching between the 24-70 and the 28-135 is a pain in the arse due to this very problem. I have no idea why they did it, but I would think that for user interface, you'd have all yours lens line up matching in operation. I don't know though, i don't design lenses, nor am I a marketing exec. The only theory i can come up with, being uneducated on the topic, is a marketing ploy so users who buy one L lens realize the quality and having a hard time switching between the two, migrate all their lenses to the more pricey L lenses for ease of operation. This of course is only an uneducated, conspiratorial theory and i don't actually believe it- so don't hound me for it- I just can't think of any other reason.

[SynterX]

I think it is as much marketing as anything. With my batter grip in place, the palm of my left hand sits nicely under it, and my the tips of my two fingers land perfectly on the L lens zoom ring. It is very nice. I switch to the 28-135, and now I can't palm hold it, I have to remove my left hand to zoom. Me no like it that way. And of course, per your theory, I now want all my lenses to work this way. It's cruelty really. And to beat a dead horse to death - the quality and feel of the L lens is killer. The non-L lenses really do feel cheaper and flimsy now...again, cruelty.

[downtrodden]

Someone else may chime in and disprove what im about to say, but i feel having focusing closer to the body is much better. I don't mind moving my hand to zoom, because first i adjust the zoom, then i focus and then snap the picture, to me, having the focus ring closer to the body mean my hand is more securely holding the focus ring and body so it *FEELS* more stable to me.. but for the added sharpness and contrast i get from my L lens, i will adjust the way i shoot.

[michaelb]

Someone else may chime in and disprove what im about to say, but i feel having focusing closer to the body is much better. I don't mind moving my hand to zoom, because first i adjust the zoom, then i focus and then snap the picture, to me, having the focus ring closer to the body mean my hand is more securely holding the focus ring and body so it *FEELS* more stable to me...

I think I agree with you on this. I played around with a 24-105 in a camera store and I found the zoom ring so close to the body to be uncomfortable; I prefer the zoom ring to be a bit farther from the body, although its probably just because that's what I'm used to.