The Distagon design of this lens integrates a floating element design that includes two aspherical elements and three partial-dispersion elements to reduce aberrations and distortion for consistent clarity, sharpness, and illumination. Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coatings have also been applied to all lens surfaces to improve light transmission and image contrast by minimizing surface reflections, lens flare, and ghosting.

The construction of the lens features a metal lens barrel with rubberized control rings for high precision when manually focusing. A rigid metal bayonet mount ensures accurate alignment and a nearly circular nine-blade aperture produces pleasing bokeh.