This was developed as part of the L-series lens that has gained much recognition as a high performance lens, and it utilizes fluorite (artificial crystal) and UD glass lens element to minimize chromatic aberration. It is extremely difficult to manufacture large artificial crystals of fluorite and this inevitably leads to high prices, but Canon has established a new manufacturing technology enabling significant reductions in manufacturing costs, achieving both high performance and an affordable price with this lens.

It also has a macro mechanism for shooting as close as 0.95m throughout the entire focal length range.