A 3x telephoto lens which is light, compact, and can be carried easily. With a five-group zoom system, it maintains outstanding imaging performance at all focusing distances, while still retaining a compact size. The USM drive combines with the 4th group to deliver outstanding quick and quiet autofocusing. The closest focusing distance at all focal lengths is 1.5m, and the maximum photographic magnification at telephoto distances is 0.2x, making this lens fully usable for macro work. The broad zoom ring, the full-time manual focus, and the non-rotating front lens element work together to create outstanding operability.