AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR US$17,899

And then finally comes Nikon. On this lens launched in May, 2013, Nikon applied two new technologies -- electronically controlled aperture and incorporation of fluorite lenses. Nikon declined to ditch its "aperture lever," an obsolete technology that appeared in 1959, while its archrival Canon started using electronic contacts in 1987.

On the lens, Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides an ultra-fast and ultra-quiet auto-focus. Nano Crystal Coat (N) reduces shading and lens flares throughout its visible spectrum.

Labeled "conquer the distance like never before," this lens is a condensation of Nikon's best technology. It costs nearly US$18,000, US$4,000 more than its rival Canon's 800mm f/5.6. In this price margin, one could just as well buy a top Canon camera body.