Top 10 expensive camera lenses........

The following are the world's 10 most expensive camera lenses based on official figures.

 Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM US$10,399

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM [File photo]

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM is one super telephoto lens acclaimed by both wildlife and sports photographers. It is indeed "bulky and heavy" in nature, but still widely regarded as "relatively compact and lightweight" compared to its super telephoto lens peers. Photographers can occasionally try shooting with this lens without the use of a tripod. Its constant aperture of f/4 is capable of capturing moving objects in low light conditions with the satisfactory clarity and sharpness. The lens' 9-blade aperture also improves image impressions and creates a softer background.

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM US$11,499

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM [File photo]

Not many photographers would spend the same amount of money on a lens as they would on a new car. But if we were to compare the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM's performance to that of your average car, this lens would definitely be in the Formula One. It adopts a new optical design featuring 16 elements in 12 groups, including several fluorite optics that deliver sharper images with less chromatic aberration. The sub-wavelength coating on the lens can effectively reduce flares.

The lens measures 34.3 cm and weighs 3.85 kg. The image stabilization (IS) system within the lens applies a low-friction optics barrel structure and can compensate for any sudden movements by four shutter stops.

In professional sports, Canon users account for the majority as a result of Canon's high-quality super telephoto lens series.

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L USM Extender 1.4x US$11,799

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L USM Extender 1.4x [File photo]

Debuting at the 2012 London Olympics, this Canon zoom lens features an imbedded 1.4x extender, the world's first-ever attempt to place an extender inside a lens. A switch on the lens' body will enable the lens to attain a 280-560mm f/5.6 super telephoto focus.

The seemingly simple trick actually took Canon more than two years to develop. Canon even used the London Games as a platform for its perfection before eventually launching it in May of this year.

The interior structure features 33 elements in 24 groups, in addition to an ultrasonic motor (USM), which could effectively compensate for any sudden movements by four shutter stops.

Its high cost -- nearly US$12,000 -- disqualifies it from entering the popular market, perfectly matching the company's designed target users: wildlife photography fans and sports photo professionals

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens US$12,799

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens [File photo]

The lens features fluorite optics, capable of providing high-clarity images with low chromatic aberration. The magnesium and titanium-made barrel greatly reduces the lens' weight, while the fluorine coating helps prevent finger prints.

As the IS system on regular super telephoto lenses tends to over-correct vibrations in capturing images from distant or moving objects, the EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is equipped with a third-generation image stabilizer which is only activated when the shutter button is fully pressed.

Other improvements -- such as those in dust- and water-proofing -- keep this lens in pace with the fast-developing digital age.

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM US$13,999

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM [File photo]

Canon unveiled this L Series lens in June 2008. The magnesium lens barrel contains several fluorite lenses and an extra-low dispersion (ED) lens, driven by the USM-propelled internal focusing system. This lens is compatible with Canon EF extenders.

This is also the most expensive lens in the current Canon catalogue, though still much cheaper than Nikon's NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6. Nonetheless, for most people, Canon's 400mm f/2.8 IS or 600mm f/4 IS would be the more flexible option since much of the 800mm's work could be realized by an extender. There is no way of reducing the focal length on the 800mm.