The use of an element with an aspherical surface means the contrast and imaging quality of this lens are at least as good as at comparable fixed-focal-length lenses. With its excellent lens shade and resistance to flare, it is especially well suited for subjects having an extreme light contrast range. Thanks to the macro setting, close-ups down to a distance of 26 cm (10.5 in) are possible, corresponding to a magnification of 1:2.8. As a universal zoom lens, it covers the classic focal lengths. All these features make it an essential standard lens within the Leica R system.