Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,850
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,950
  • Lens mount: Sony E
  • Maximum focal length: 85 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 1.4
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 29 °

Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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%

7.8

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%

8.6

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.5

Build & Handling

20.0%

8.1

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Excellent
7.8

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%

9.5

User reviews

30.0%

4.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(50)
amazon
5.0
(5)
amazon
4.6
(3)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(49)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 7.3
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    10

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 7.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.3

    Lens length

    25.0%

    7.1

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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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 Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is a premium full-frame portrait prime lens featuring a redesigned optical system with 14 elements in 11 groups, including two XA (extreme aspherical) and two ED elements to deliver exceptional corner-to-corner sharpness and creamy bokeh via an 11-blade circular aperture. Notable for being 20% lighter (642g) and 13% smaller than its predecessor, it utilizes dual XD linear motors for autofocus that is up to three times faster and supports high-speed tracking at 120fps. Main pros include its significantly improved portability, near-silent autofocus, and refined video features like suppressed focus breathing and an iris lock switch. Primary cons include its high premium price tag and the lack of built-in optical image stabilisation, relying instead on in-body camera systems.

Technical Specifications of Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II

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%

8.6

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.5

Build & Handling

20.0%

8.1

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

8.1
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a technical score of 8.15 points, which is higher than 94.1% 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%

9.5

User reviews

30.0%

4.0

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.7
(50)
amazon
5.0
(5)
amazon
4.6
(3)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(49)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.8
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a user score of 7.82 points, which is lower than 63.7% 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.
4.0
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a popularity of 4 points, which is lower than 65.6% 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
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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

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

Sony E
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

77 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

no
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II does not support teleconverters. 15.3% 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

85 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

85 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

29 °
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

29 °
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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, XD linear
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

?
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
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Override via DMF mode.
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
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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

no
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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

?
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

107.3 mm
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is 107.3 mm long, which is longer than 64.8% 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

84.7 mm
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a diameter of 84.7 mm, which is wider than 72.6% 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
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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
Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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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Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II vs the average camera lens

  • 1.4 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 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

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.1.4 vs 2.8
  • Has fluorine coating
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
    What it is: A protective coating on exposed elements that repels water, oil, and dirt for easier cleaning.
    When it matters: When you shoot in rain, sea spray, or dusty places and want easier front-element cleaning.

    Importance: HIGH

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Has focus hold button
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
    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

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has aperture ring
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
    What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
    When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
    What it is: An aperture ring that can switch from stepped clicks to smooth rotation for video work.
    When it matters: When you shoot video and need smooth aperture changes without audible or visible click steps.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
  • 2 more aperture blades
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.11 vs 9
  • Newer release date
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    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

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II was released more recently than the average camera lens.2024 vs 2016
  • 1.4 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.4 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 2 more aperture blades
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has more aperture blades than the average camera lens (11 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • Has focus hold button
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has aperture ring
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has de-clickable aperture ring
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a de-clickable aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 18.4% of camera lenses support a de-clickable aperture ring.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Newer release date
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 0.07 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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.
  • 7.7 mm wider lens barrel
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is wider than the average camera lens (84.7 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 15.3 mm longer lens
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is longer than the average camera lens (107.3 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 7.7 mm wider lens barrel
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is wider than the average camera lens (84.7 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

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is wider than the average camera lens (84.7 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.84.7 mm vs 77 mm
  • 15.3 mm longer lens
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is longer than the average camera lens (107.3 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

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is longer than the average camera lens (107.3 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.107.3 mm vs 92 mm
  • 3.49x more expensive
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,850 vs £530).
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,850 vs £530).£1,850 vs £530
  • 0.07 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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.
    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

    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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.0.12 x vs 0.192 x
  • 23.3% worse value for money
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II 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.
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.96 vs 7.346).5.96 vs 7.35
  • 3.5% lower user score
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.82 vs 8.091).
    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.
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.82 vs 8.091).7.82 vs 8.09
  • 59.3% less popular
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is less popular than the average camera lens (4.01 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.
    Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II is less popular than the average camera lens (4.01 vs 6.383).4.01 vs 6.38

Graphic comparison of Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II?

  • Significantly lighter and more compact than the previous version (approx. 20% weight reduction)
  • Extremely fast and silent autofocus powered by dual XD linear motors
  • Exceptional edge-to-edge sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/1.4
  • Beautifully smooth bokeh and high-quality subject separation for portraits
  • Advanced physical controls including a de-clickable aperture ring and two focus hold buttons
  • Excellent weather sealing and fluorine coating for durability
  • Noticeably improved flare resistance and reduced chromatic aberration compared to Mark I

What customers dislike about Sony FE 85mm F 1 4 GM II?

  • High premium price point compared to competitors like Sigma
  • Lack of built-in optical image stabilization (relies on camera IBIS)
  • Strong vignetting when shot wide open at f/1.4 (though easily corrected in-camera)
  • Minimum focusing distance has not improved over the original version
  • Noticeable 'cat's eye' effect in bokeh highlights near the edges of the frame
  • Focus ring can feel a bit light/loose for some manual focus preferences

Expert reviews

D
dustinabbott.net
28/08/2024
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amateurphotographer.com
28/08/2024
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digitalcameraworld.com
28/08/2024
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the-digital-picture.com
23/10/2024
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ephotozine.com
28/10/2024
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5
5050travelog.com
25/03/2026
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petapixel.com
28/08/2024
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fstoppers.com
28/08/2024
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markgaler.com
03/07/2025
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me.pcmag.com
28/08/2024
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briansmith.com
28/08/2024
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D
digitalkamera.de
11/09/2024
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photoscala.de
05/06/2026
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C
calumet.de
28/08/2024
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zielfoto.com
25/11/2024
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phototrend.fr
28/08/2024
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L
lesnumeriques.com
03/04/2026
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L
les-guides-sony.com
12/09/2024
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L
lesnumeriques.com
29/08/2024
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S
sony.ch
27/07/2026
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P
photolari.com
28/08/2024
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D
digitalcamaralens.com
21/09/2024
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sony.com.gt
28/08/2024
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fotografia.it
28/08/2024
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fotocult.it
12/09/2024
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fotografidigitali.it
28/08/2024
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photofacts.nl
30/08/2024
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focus-review.com
19/12/2024
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review.nl
02/10/2024
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tweakers.net
07/10/2024
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Video reviews

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