With its wide angle view from 102.4 degrees it can produce striking images with exaggerated perspective. The maximum aperture of F3.5 is ideal for indoor shooting & it enables photographers to emphasize the subject. Two ELD glass elements & a SLD glass element provide excellent correction of color aberration. Four aspherical lenses provide correction for distortion & allow compact & lightweight construction. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare & ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The incorporation of HSM ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus as well as full-time manual focusing capability. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches throughout the entire zoom range & a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.6. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing system which eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the Petal-type hood & polarizing filter. The petal-type hood blocks extraneous light & reduces internal reflection.