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