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

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.