Surprisingly compact and lightweight for its focal length, the 500mm/1000mm Super Telephoto Lens excels on long backpacking excursions, just as easily as it does backyard stargazing, and handheld shots from the bleachers (using fast shutter speeds). Constructed using a simple, digitally optimized optical design comprised of 4 elements in 4 groups, the lens is intended for clear, distant scenes especially when atmospheric conditions are favorable, as well as isolating nearby subjects with an impressively shallow depth of field. In order to suppress flare and ghosting while maintaining color fidelity, each lens element has had our Super HD Multicoatings applied. In addition to the lens' durable, lightweight aluminum alloy housing, an integrated tripod collar to minimize motion blur when photographing at slower shutter speeds. The collar is also adjustable, enabling you to adjust the orientation of your camera without having to change the position of your tripod or monopod.