This Sony SAL-55200-2 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DT AF Lens is a perfect companion lens to the 18-55mm kit lens. This lens has an equivalent focal length of 82.5-300mm in the 35mm/full frame standard. In other words: this is an inexpensive, short-to-long telephoto zoom for the emerging photographer. Great for nature and travel imagemaking.

Its cost, design, and overall size all lead the tyro to comfortably accessorize their kit lens, and begin developing a library of optics for their camera.

Note: This is the 2nd version of this lens. Not compatible with 35mm or "full-frame" digital SLR cameras

Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)

The built-in Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) eliminates the need to use a mechanical coupling system in the camera body to transfer auto focus (AF) drive power and control signals to the lens. Instead, AF control signals from the camera body are sent to the lens-mounted SAM unit, which drives the focusing lens group directly, helping to assure smooth AF response.

ED (Extra-low Dispersion) Glass

To reduce chromatic aberration at telephoto extension, correcting certain wavelengths of light for sharp, clear images with well defined colors.