This compact high zoom ratio lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras & incorporates Sigmas original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function. This system uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical & horizontal movement of the camera & works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group to effectively compensate for camera shake. It offers the use of shutter speeds Approx. 4 stops slower. It is the ideal lens for several type of photography such as wide-angle, telephoto & close-up. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, a molded glass aspherical lens & two hybrid aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The super multi-layer coating reduces flare & ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 35cm (13.8") at all focal lengths, & has maximum magnification of 1:3.8, making it ideal for close-up photography. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet & high-speed autofocus.