This lens adopts a 3-group zoom optical system that fixes part of the optical system, achieving a compact body without losing optical performance. It also implements Canon’s own movable flare stopper that cuts out unnecessary incident light that reduces image quality by linking with the lens optical system when zooming in order to provide a clearer image.

It also has a zoom ratio of 3x from the wide angle of 28mm to the medium telephoto 85mm, and a full macro capabilities able to shoot as close as 0.5m from the film plane at all focal lengths.