I am not convinced that is a valid comparison....Perhaps it's experience with cameras that makes close focus seem a no-brainer. True macro lenses are indeed a specialty, but those focus to inches/cm. Camera lenses are designed to higher optical standards than binoculars, yet most focus (internally these days) under 1m, and even telephotos to 2m or so. No one argues about who does that how often, or calls it unnecessary complexity or expense.