Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£2,770
  • Avg. price in US: ~$3,550
  • Lens mount: L-Mount
  • Maximum focal length: 200 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: yes
  • Maximum angle of view: 33.4 °

Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

8.1

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%

8.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Excellent
8.1

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%

8.7

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

8.8

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.8

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

7.6

Stabilization

3.0%

8.2

Mount & Format

Excellent
?

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

  • 9.9
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • 8.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.6

    Lens length

    25.0%

    6.8

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

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

Verdict

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH is a high-performance L-mount telephoto zoom featuring an advanced optical construction of 20 elements in 15 groups, including three aspherical surfaces and seven low-dispersion elements. Key characteristics include a constant f/2.8 aperture, internal zoom and focusing that maintains a fixed 207mm length, and a 3.5-stop optical image stabilization system that reaches up to 6 stops when paired with compatible SL-system IBIS cameras. Main pros include exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, robust all-metal weather-sealed construction, and an 82mm filter thread. Notable cons are its substantial weight of 1,540g, which can lead to handling fatigue, and its premium price point compared to third-party L-mount alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH

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

8.1
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a technical score of 8.09 points, which is higher than 91.5% 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
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH 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%

8.1

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

6.0
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a quality-to-price ratio of 6 points, which is lower than 85.2% 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 zoom
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

L-Mount
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

82 mm
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
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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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

70 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

200 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

2.9x
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

33.4 °
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

12.7 °
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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

linear motor
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

0.65 m
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH focuses as close as 0.65 m, which is farther than 75.8% of camera lenses and equal to 0.3% 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

0.19x
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.19x, which is higher than 45.8% of camera lenses and equal to 5% 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
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH 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
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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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
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH 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

3.5 stops
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH offers 3.5 stops of stabilization, which is weaker than 79.1% of camera lenses and equal to 8.4% of camera lenses.
Up to 6 with IBIS.
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

1,670 g
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH weighs 1,670 g, which is heavier than 93.4% 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

207 mm
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is 207 mm long, which is longer than 93.1% 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

89 mm
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a diameter of 89 mm, which is wider than 84% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.7% 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
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH 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
Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH 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

?
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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Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH vs the average camera lens

  • Has optical image stabilization
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH 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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 2 more aperture blades
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.11 vs 9
  • 5 more low-dispersion elements
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (7 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (7 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.7 vs 2
  • Has internal zoom
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
    Maintains length during zooming.
    What it is: A zoom design that changes focal length without extending the outer barrel.
    When it matters: When balance on a gimbal or tripod matters and you do not want the lens length to change while zooming.

    Importance: LOW

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
  • Newer release date
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    September 2024
    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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH was released more recently than the average camera lens.2024 vs 2016
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.3 vs 2
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 2 more aperture blades
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 5 more low-dispersion elements
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (7 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • Has internal zoom
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has internal zoom, the average camera lens does not. 10% of camera lenses support internal zoom.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Newer release date
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 0.35 m longer minimum focus distance
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 0.5 stops weaker stabilization
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    Up to 6 with IBIS.
  • 1,144.6 g heavier
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is heavier than the average camera lens (1,670 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 115 mm longer lens
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is longer than the average camera lens (207 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 12 mm wider lens barrel
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is wider than the average camera lens (89 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 1,144.6 g heavier
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is heavier than the average camera lens (1,670 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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is heavier than the average camera lens (1,670 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.1670 g vs 525.4 g
  • 115 mm longer lens
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is longer than the average camera lens (207 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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is longer than the average camera lens (207 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.207 mm vs 92 mm
  • 12 mm wider lens barrel
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is wider than the average camera lens (89 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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is wider than the average camera lens (89 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.89 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.5 stops weaker stabilization
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    Up to 6 with IBIS.
    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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.3.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 0.35 m longer minimum focus distance
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.7 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

    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.7 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.65 m vs 0.3 m
  • 5.23x more expensive
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is more expensive than the average camera lens (£2,770 vs £530).
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is more expensive than the average camera lens (£2,770 vs £530).£2,770 vs £530
  • 6.38x less popular
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).
    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.
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH is less popular than the average camera lens (1.00 vs 6.383).1 vs 6.38
  • 23.2% worse value for money
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.96 vs 7.346).
    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.
    Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.96 vs 7.346).5.96 vs 7.35

Graphic comparison of Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH?

  • Exceptional build quality with an all-metal, weather-sealed construction
  • Outstanding optical performance including corner-to-corner sharpness and high microcontrast
  • Well-controlled chromatic aberration, distortion, and vignetting
  • Internal zoom and focus mechanism that maintains a constant lens length
  • Smooth and pleasing bokeh with excellent subject isolation
  • Integrated optical image stabilization (OIS) providing up to 6 stops of correction with modern SL bodies
  • Fast and silent autofocus performance
  • Compatibility with 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters while maintaining high image quality

What customers dislike about Leica Vario Elmarit SL 70 200mm F 2 8 ASPH?

  • High price point compared to similar L-mount offerings from Sigma or Panasonic
  • Relatively heavy at 1,540g, which can cause fatigue during extended handheld use
  • Autofocus tracking for fast action may be slower than some competitors like Sony or Canon
  • Tripod foot design can feel cramped or awkward for manual focusing
  • Lack of physical switches on the lens body (requires camera menu for AF/MF and OIS)

Expert reviews

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ephotozine.com
30/09/2024
Summary of the review
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l-camera-forum.com
05/09/2024
Summary of the review
D
digitalphoto.de
13/01/2025
Summary of the review
P
photoscala.de
17/04/2025
Summary of the review
L
l-camera-forum.com
05/09/2024
Summary of the review
P
phototrend.fr
06/12/2024
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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