In spite of its impressive wide-angle zoom range of 7-14mm (35mm film camera equivalent; 14-28mm), this lens is surprisingly compact and lightweight for casual on-the-go use. Taking advantage of its wide, 114-degree angle of view, it enables to fit subjects into the frame easily even when shooting indoors where the distance is limited. The world looks extraordinary when viewing through the lens, allowing photos and movies to be recorded with a uniquely rich perspective. This high-performance lens system achieves outstanding compactness by combining 16 lens elements in 12 groups, including 2 aspherical lenses and 4 ED lenses. Image resolution is high from corner-to-corner even at the wide-angle setting. Thanks to its large-diameter glass molded lens elements, it also features F4.0 brightness over the entire zoom range. 7 diaphragm blades of circular aperture diaphragm give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. It also features a highly reliable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its optical performance. The optimally designed lens hood is enabled to use even under strong sunlight, too.