Continuing global expansion in the volume and variety of HD productions places unceasing demands for extended flexibility and creativity in image creation. The need for dramatically increased telephoto capabilities in HD lenses to meet the creative needs of natural history production, HD newsgathering, stadium coverage, surveillance, houses of worship while also facilitating greater portability and mobility on location led to the design of the HJ18ex28B lens. 

This innovative ultra-telephoto lens provides a 500mm focal range (1000mm using the built-in 2x range extender) in a compact package that weighs only 2.48 kg(IRSE A type). Despite its modest size, the overall performance of the HJ18ex28B is remarkably high – providing a maximum aperture capability of F2.5, very good picture sharpness, and tight control over chromatic aberrations. 

Even the digital drive-unit is newly developed to provide streamlined ergonomics and ease of operation that further empowers camera operator shooting flexibility. (New drive is loaded with the lens that has ‘A' at the end of its model name such as ‘IRSE A', ‘IASE A'.)