The DIGI SUPER 72 xs is one of a family of six long zoom HDTV field lenses presently offered by Canon. The XJ72x9.3BIE-D was specifically designed to be a more affordable member within the evolving family of long zoom lenses developed by Canon to flexibly address an extraordinary range of production needs for sports, entertainment, and major event production projects. To achieve this cost-effectiveness the optical stabilization system is not included in this lens. This is an important long field lens in the emerging fleets of HDTV mobile television facilities. Canon recognized the broad diversity in imaging needs (and associated budgets) of mobile trucks that cover all forms of sports and entertainment events and has built up a broad ranging family of long zoom lenses to flexibly address this wide range of production projects. In doing so, they harnessed the best in optical, mechanical, and digital technologies to implement a long zoom lens that still remains modest in its size and weight This lens is intended for mobile truck operators, broadcasters, and major venue operators having as their foremost priority the long telephoto flexibility for high definition sports and entertainment event coverage at an affordable cost level. It can equally service the special needs of government (homeland security) and many institutional sectors of the market that might also have long telephoto as a priority. ABOUT THIS LENS The XJ72x9.3B design applied the most state of the art in Canon optical technologies and computer-aided design to break a barrier in focal length range versus system cost. Canon?s renowned engineering design optimization strategies were once again brilliantly applied to the unique technological challenges of providing full HDTV image quality while implementing control of focal length over the challenging range from 9.3mm to 675 mm (up to 1350mm with extender). The design paid particular attention to streamlining the ergonomics and physics of such a challenging optical system. The optimizations within the optical design successfully maintain a high MTF profile over the entire image plane when exercising the broad 72:1 focal length change. A parallel optimization paid close attention to minimizing chromatic aberrations over this same focal range. Recognizing the especially challenging nature of sports and event coverage (that regularly encounter challenging low scene lighting) the lens designers also gave a special priority to achievement of an impressive maximum relative aperture of f 1.7. Contrast was extended by superb control of black reproduction - with optical and mechanical design innovations that substantially reduced flare, veiling glare, and internal reflections. Similar attention to minimization of ghost images and other highlight-related chromatic distortions caused by strong light sources on-axis and off-axis further extend the operational contrast range of the lens. The resulting superb contrast range of the lens augments its high picture sharpness. The combination ensures stunning picture clarity for sports, large events, and high-resolution surveillance imagery.