Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£1,530
  • Lens mount: Canon EF
  • Maximum focal length: 400 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 4
  • Optical image stabilization: yes
  • Maximum angle of view: 6.2 °

Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.2

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%

7.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Very good
7.2

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%

6.6

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.3

Build & Handling

20.0%

7.2

Focus & Controls

10.0%

8.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

6.7

Stabilization

3.0%

10

Mount & Format

Very good
?

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%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 9.8
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.7

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • 7.3
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.2

    Lens length

    25.0%

    3.9

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £1,530

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM is a super-telephoto prime lens featuring innovative Multi-Layer Diffractive Optical (DO) technology, which allows for a significantly more compact and lightweight build—weighing approximately 1,940g and measuring 232.7mm in length—compared to traditional lenses in its class. Key specifications include a bright f/4 maximum aperture, a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast autofocus, and a two-stop optical Image Stabilizer (IS) designed for handheld wildlife and sports photography. Its main pros are excellent portability, effective correction of chromatic and spherical aberrations, and robust weather-sealed construction. However, notable cons include natively lower contrast compared to non-DO lenses, the potential for odd out-of-focus highlights (bokeh) around point light sources, and a relatively long minimum focus distance of 3.5 meters.

Technical Specifications of Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM

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%

?

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

?

Build & Handling

20.0%

?

Focus & Controls

10.0%

?

Lab Scores

8.0%

?

Stabilization

3.0%

?

Mount & Format

7.2
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a technical score of 7.15 points, which is higher than 50.2% 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%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 90% 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%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

2.4

Price

5.7
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.7 points, which is lower than 91.5% 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

telephoto prime
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

yes
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Supports EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders.
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

400 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

400 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

6.2 °
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

6.2 °
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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

ring USM
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

3.5 m
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM focuses as close as 3.5 m, which is farther than 98.5% 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

0.12x
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.12x, which is lower than 81.3% of camera lenses and equal to 5.3% 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

yes
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% 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

yes
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal 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

yes
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports optical image stabilization. 28.9% 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

2 stops
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM offers 2 stops of stabilization, which is weaker than 98.1% of camera lenses and equal to 1.5% of camera lenses.
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

2,234 g
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM weighs 2,234 g, which is heavier than 96.8% of camera lenses.
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

232.7 mm
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is 232.7 mm long, which is longer than 94.7% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% 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

128 mm
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a diameter of 128 mm, which is wider than 97.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.6% 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

yes
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports weather sealing. 50.2% 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

yes
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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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

23
Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a DxOMark overall score of 23, which is lower than that of 55.8% of camera lenses and equal to that of 2.8% of camera lenses.
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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM vs the average camera lens

  • Has optical image stabilization
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include 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

    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports EF 1.4x and EF 2x extenders.
    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

    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus hold button
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
    AF stop / focus hold buttons.
    What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
    When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM 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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM 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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    52 mm drop-in filter.
    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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
    Distance-range limiter positions.
    What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
    When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.

    Importance: LOW

    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus hold button
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • No rounded blades
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    8 blades.
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 1 fewer aperture blades
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM 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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • 3.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (3.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 0.07 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM 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.
  • 2 stops weaker stabilization
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (2 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
  • 1,708.6 g heavier
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is heavier than the average camera lens (2,234 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 140.7 mm longer lens
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (232.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 51 mm wider lens barrel
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (128 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • Older release date
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    December 2001
  • 3 points lower DxOMark score
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (23 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
  • 1,708.6 g heavier
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is heavier than the average camera lens (2,234 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
    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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is heavier than the average camera lens (2,234 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.2234 g vs 525.4 g
  • No rounded blades
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    8 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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • 1.2 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.4 vs 2.8
  • 140.7 mm longer lens
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (232.7 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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is longer than the average camera lens (232.7 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.232.7 mm vs 92 mm
  • 51 mm wider lens barrel
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (128 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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM is wider than the average camera lens (128 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.128 mm vs 77 mm
  • 3.2 m longer minimum focus distance
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (3.5 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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (3.5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.3.5 m vs 0.3 m
  • 2 stops weaker stabilization
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (2 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 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

    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (2 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.2 stops vs 4 stops
  • 1 fewer aperture blades
    Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 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 400mm F 4 DO IS USM has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (8 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.8 vs 9

Graphic comparison of Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM?

  • Exceptionally lightweight and compact for a 400mm lens, making it ideal for hand-holding and travel.
  • Fast and quiet autofocus performance, even when paired with teleconverters.
  • Effective image stabilization that helps maintain sharpness during handheld wildlife and sports photography.
  • Rugged, weather-resistant build quality suitable for professional outdoor use.
  • Advanced Diffractive Optics (DO) technology allows for a significantly shorter barrel compared to traditional telephoto lenses.

What customers dislike about Canon EF 400mm F 4 DO IS USM?

  • Bokeh can occasionally appear harsh or show 'concentric circle' artifacts in specular highlights.
  • Some users report lower contrast compared to non-DO Canon super-telephoto lenses.
  • Image sharpness at the maximum f/4 aperture has been criticized by some as lacking compared to L-series primes.
  • Lacks certain modern features like focus presets or a power focus option for video.
  • High retail price makes it a significant investment compared to other 400mm alternatives.

Expert reviews

T
the-digital-picture.com
13/08/2005
Summary of the review
J
jefflynchdev.wordpress.com
16/07/2013
Summary of the review
P
pbase.com
07/12/2013
Summary of the review
D
deltaimage.de
30/01/2022
Summary of the review
D
davidbertuleit.com
21/06/2022
Summary of the review
T
the-digital-picture.com
13/08/2005
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
13/05/2015
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.fr
19/08/2004
Summary of the review
R
rafairusta.com
17/04/2015
Summary of the review
E
eoszine.nl
26/03/2015
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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