The popular fast macro telephoto lens offers, in this new edition, not only the consistently outstanding performance but also numerous features that significantly ease the handling of the lens. Thanks to Sigma's OS (Optical Stabilizer), handheld photography is extended by up to 4 stops, which helps to avoid camera shake with the small apertures commonly used in macro photography. An SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element and an SLD glass element with a high refractive index ensure excellent correction of all imaging errors and distortion. The Floating Focusing System moves two different lens groups along the optical axis to different positions when focusing. This system effectively compensates for astigmatism and spherical aberration, delivering outstanding optical performance from infinity down to a scale of 1:1. The length of the lens does not change during focusing thanks to this technology, which simplifies the use of macro flash and allows for the use of Sigma teleconverters, enabling a scale of up to 2:1. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) drive provides fast and nearly silent autofocus, which can be manually overridden at any time. The use of nine aperture blades creates a nearly round aperture opening, resulting in a very pleasant bokeh outside the plane of focus. The lens housing is splash-proof, making it well-equipped for use in harsher conditions.