The Tokina AF DX is designed as an all-purpose lens for general camera consumers who wish to use one lens for shooting close-up shots and long telephoto shots. It focuses as close as 0.5 m (1.7 ft) and out to longer telephoto lengths. This 16.5-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens operates in either manual or autofocus mode. Autofocus is fast and quiet, a single turn of the autofocus mechanism pulls the zoom from infinity to 3 meters. The optical construction of this Tokina camera lens for Nikon is 15 elements in 9 groups, three aspherical elements are all glass precision molded and two compound elements produce high contrast. Two SLD elements correct chromatic aberration and minimize play while eliminating zoom creeping. This Tokina AF DX lens measures 84 x 78 x 78 mm (6.5 x 5 x 5) and weighs 619.75 g (21.86 oz). The metal bayonet mount of this Tokina camera lens for Nikon is durable and sturdy, while a multi-coated lens produces sharp, clear pictures and improves the light in the finished photo. Since the focus mechanism is internal, it is possible to use a polarizer on the Tokina AF DX lens. The built in hood on this 16.5-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is petal shaped.