Capable of macro photography, this lens has a 1:2 maximum close-up magnification at the 300 mm focal length. It's the ideal high performance lens for portraits, sports photography, nature photography, & other types of photography that frequently use the telephoto range. It also has a switch for changeover to macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm & 300mm with a maximum close-up magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2.SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass in this lens provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration. New coating reduces Ghost & Flare. The new multi layer lens coating & lens design reduce flare & ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras & also creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass in this lens corrects chromatic aberration. This also corrects for fluctuation of aberration due to focusing. High optical performance is demonstrated throughout the entire zoom range. Macro shooting with maximum magnification 1:2 It is capable of macro photography with a 1:2 maximum close-up magnification at the 300mm focal length. The minimum focusing distance is 1.5 m/59 inches at all zoom settings. It also has a switch for changeover to macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm & 300mm with a maximum close-up magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2 & a minimum focusing distance of 95cm (37.4 inches). Without changing the distance between camera & subject, you can change the shooting magnification.