Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£260
  • Avg. price in US: ~$340
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Maximum focal length: 15 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 180 °

Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.6

Technical Score

20.0%

7.5

User score

Good
5.6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

6.4

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.5

Build & Handling

20.0%

2.7

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

2.8

Mount & Format

Good
7.5

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(4)
amazon
5.0
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(4)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 5.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.1

    Lens length

    25.0%

    8.0

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Canon EF 15mm f/2.8 FisheyeGo to product viewer dialog for this item. is a compact, ultra-wide prime lens designed for full-frame DSLR cameras, featuring an optical structure of 8 elements in 7 groups and 5 aperture blades. It delivers a dramatic full-frame fisheye perspective with a 180-degree diagonal angle of view and boasts an incredibly short minimum focusing distance of 20 cm (0.2 meters). Main pros include its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture for low-light shooting, exceptional center-to-corner sharpness, a lightweight metal build weighing just 330 grams, and a built-in petal-type hood with a rear gelatin filter holder. However, it relies on an older, noisy arc-form drive autofocus motor that lacks full-time manual focusing override, cannot accept standard screw-on front filters due to the bulbous front element, and close-up subjects can appear slightly soft when shot wide open at f/2.8.

Technical Specifications of Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

6.4

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.5

Build & Handling

20.0%

2.7

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

2.8

Mount & Format

5.6
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a technical score of 5.64 points, which is lower than 98.1% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(4)
amazon
5.0
(2)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(4)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.5
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a user score of 7.5 points, which is lower than 71.8% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
1.7
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a popularity of 1.7 points, which is lower than 84.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.0

Overall score

40.0%

9.2

Price

7.0
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a quality-to-price ratio of 7 points, which is lower than 65.5% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

fisheye
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Only unofficial third-party options are mentioned.
Show more
Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

15 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

15 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

180 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

180 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

AFD
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.2 m
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye focuses as close as 0.2 m, which is closer than 79.4% of camera lenses and equal to 7% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.14x
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.14x, which is lower than 71.7% of camera lenses and equal to 4% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support internal focusing. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Front group moves during focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

352.8 g
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye weighs 352.8 g, which is lighter than 71.6% of camera lenses.
With built-in hood.
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

62.2 mm
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is 62.2 mm long, which is shorter than 80% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

73 mm
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a diameter of 73 mm, which is slimmer than 62.3% of camera lenses and equal to that of 3% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

?
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye vs the average camera lens

  • Has focus distance scale
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Rear gelatin filter holder.
    What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
    When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 29.8 mm shorter lens
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (62.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (62.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.62.2 mm vs 92 mm
  • 172.6 g lighter
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is lighter than the average camera lens (352.8 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
    With built-in hood.
    What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
    When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is lighter than the average camera lens (352.8 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.352.8 g vs 525.4 g
  • 0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.2 m vs 0.3 m
  • 4 mm narrower lens barrel
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.73 mm vs 77 mm
  • 2.04x cheaper
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is cheaper than the average camera lens (£260 vs £530).£260 vs £530
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.1 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.2 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 172.6 g lighter
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is lighter than the average camera lens (352.8 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 29.8 mm shorter lens
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is shorter than the average camera lens (62.2 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 4 mm narrower lens barrel
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 4 fewer aperture blades
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • No rounded blades
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    5 straight blades.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • 2 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No internal focusing
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Front group moves during focusing.
  • 0.05 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Fixed lens hood
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    April 1987
  • Not weather-sealed
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 4 fewer aperture blades
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (5 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.5 vs 9
  • No full-time manual focus
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
    When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No rounded blades
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    5 straight blades.
    What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
    When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • No internal focusing
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
    Front group moves during focusing.
    What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
    When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
  • Fixed lens hood
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
    What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
    When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    April 1987
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye was released earlier than the average camera lens.1987 vs 2016
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2

Graphic comparison of Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye and

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Third-party reviews

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye?

  • High optical sharpness, even in corners when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8
  • Compact and lightweight design, similar in size to a 50mm prime lens
  • Bright f/2.8 aperture makes it suitable for low-light and nighttime photography
  • Sturdy construction with a robust metal feel
  • Close minimum focusing distance of 20cm allows for unique perspective shots
  • Rear gelatin filter holder allows for the use of creative filters

What customers dislike about Canon EF 15mm F 2 8 Fisheye?

  • Noisy autofocus motor (AFD/Arc-Form Drive) compared to modern USM lenses
  • Poor lens cap design that does not clip on securely and can easily fall off
  • Front element is highly curved and exposed, making it prone to scratches
  • Cannot use standard screw-on front filters
  • Significant loss of the intended 180° fisheye effect when used on crop sensor cameras
  • Susceptible to lens flare and ghosting due to the large front element and minimal built-in hood

Expert reviews

T
the-digital-picture.com
05/04/2004
Summary of the review
K
kenrockwell.com
01/01/2011
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
27/07/2026
Summary of the review
U
ultrasomething.com
15/12/2008
Summary of the review
G
gletscherbruch.de
27/07/2026
Summary of the review
N
naturepixel.com
Octobre 2005
Summary of the review
M
mpb.com
Inconnue
Summary of the review
R
rcefoto.com
20/05/2023
Summary of the review
E
eoszine.nl
01/01/2012
Summary of the review
E
eoszine.nl
03/01/2024
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
07/10/2012
Summary of the review
L
lensreviews.nl
05/10/2022
Summary of the review
P
photofacts.nl
04/12/2015
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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