SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) - A built-in lens motor for faster automatic focusing with high torque at low speed, quick start/stop response, and quiet, smooth operation.

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass - Four precision ED Glass lenses correct chromatic aberrations and deliver visually accurate results even at full telephoto zoom extension.

Focus Hold - Three Focus Hold buttons are provided, which lock the focus at the press of a button.

DMF Mode - Two DMF (Direct Manual Focus) modes give exacting control over the AF system. Standard DMF allows the photographer to fine tune the focus after the AF system has locked onto the subject. Full-time DMF gives the photographer access to manual focus control at any time by simply turning the focusing ring.

Focus-Range Limit
Two focus-range limit settings reduce auto-focusing time.

Circular Aperture
The 9-blade Circular Aperture design keeps the defocused image of point light sources outside the depth of field round between f/2.8 and f/5.6.

Tripod Collar - The removable tripod collar rotates 360° so the camera and lens can be orientated in any position when mounted from above or below.

Lens Hood - A lightweight, but durable, petal-type lens hood is lined with velvet to reduce flare. The hood also has a covered polarizing-filter window so that a polarizing filter can be rotated without having to remove the hood from the lens.