Sliding Focus Ring
The focus ring slides back and forth to select manual or autofocus which together with a focus hold button, inner focus, and a focus range limiter provide optimum control for macro photography making it easier to shoot insects and other subjects that cannot be approached too closely. Minimal focus breathing and quiet operation are also advantageous for shooting movies.
Lens-based optical image stabilization
Gyro sensors built into the lens detect even the slightest movement, and the stabilization lens is precisely shifted to counteract any image blur that might occur. The use of precision, quiet linear motors and technology inherited from high-end Sony professional camcorders results in exceptionally quiet, effective image stabilization that contributes to high-quality movies as well as stills.
Direct Drive SSM (DDSSM) for quiet, precise focusing
Quiet, precise DDSSM (Direct Drive SSM) focus drive - employs piezoelectric elements oscillating at ultrasonic frequencies to drive the focus lens groups. In this case, two floating focus groups are driven by independent DDSSM systems for precision positioning of the relatively heavy lenses required for macro photography. The DDSSM drive system is remarkably quiet, making it ideal for animal and insect photography, as well as for movies. It also improves the precision of "focus wobble" employed to achieve optimum focus when shooting movies.