A rear focus mechanism with a floating effect moves the rear lens group internally to correct close-distance aberrations while focusing the subject. Crisp, sharp images are possible from the minimum focusing distance of 0.25m/0.8ft. to infinity. The combination of the rear focusing design with an ultrasonic motor achieves fast and silent autofocusing. Of course, manual focusing is possible at all times without switching modes. Since the front of the lens does not rotate during focusing, superior operability is obtained with circular polarizing filters. This lens is good for active photographers who already have a standard zoom lens but want a lens that will give their landscape photography and snapshots a broader feeling.