Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,010
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,200
  • Lens mount: Nikon Z, Sony E
  • Maximum focal length: 180 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 34.4 °

Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

8.0

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%

7.7

Technical Score

20.0%

9.4

User score

Excellent
7.7

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%

8.5

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.4

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.8

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Very good
9.4

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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(603)
amazon
4.5
(384)
amazon
4.7
(111)
amazon
4.6
(22)
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4.8
(10)
United States
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4.6
(635)
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4.7
(115)
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4.6
(19)
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4.8
(10)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Exceptional
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 6.8
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    7.6

    Lens length

    25.0%

    7.4

    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 Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056) is a remarkably compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens designed for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, weighing just 810g and measuring 149mm in length. It features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout its range, a dual-unit VXD linear motor for exceptionally fast and quiet autofocus, and a moisture-resistant construction with a fluorine-coated front element. Main pros include its superior portability compared to traditional 70-200mm lenses, impressive sharpness even wide open, a standard 67mm filter thread shared across Tamron’s mirrorless lineup, and a unique 0.27m minimum focus distance at the 70mm end in manual focus. Some noted cons include the lack of built-in optical image stabilisation—relying instead on camera-body IBIS—the absence of physical custom buttons or AF/MF switches, and a slightly shorter 180mm reach compared to industry-standard 200mm telephoto zooms.

Technical Specifications of Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD

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%

8.5

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.4

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.8

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

7.7
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a technical score of 7.65 points, which is higher than 71.9% 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%

9.2

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.5
(603)
amazon
4.5
(384)
amazon
4.7
(111)
amazon
4.6
(22)
amazon
4.8
(10)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(635)
Amazon_logo.png
4.7
(115)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(19)
Amazon_logo.png
4.8
(10)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

9.4
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a user score of 9.41 points, which is higher than 86.3% 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.
10
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 69.2% 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%

8.0

Overall score

40.0%

5.2

Price

7.2
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 56% 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

Nikon Z, 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

67 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
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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

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

180 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

2.6x
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

34.4 °
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

13.7 °
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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, XD linear, VXD
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

0.27 m
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD focuses as close as 0.27 m, which is closer than 63.8% of camera lenses and equal to 0.7% of camera lenses.
0.85 m in manual focus.
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

0.5x
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.5x, which is higher than 91% of camera lenses and equal to 2.8% of camera lenses.
0.217 in autofocus mode.
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
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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

149 mm
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is 149 mm long, which is longer than 85.7% 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

81 mm
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a diameter of 81 mm, which is wider than 60.1% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.8% 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
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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
Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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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Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD vs the average camera lens

  • Has fluorine coating
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • 5 more low-dispersion elements
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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 zoom lock switch
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
    Zoom lock switch present.
    What it is: A switch that locks the zoom position to prevent the lens from extending during transport.
    When it matters: When you carry the lens while walking or traveling and want to prevent zoom creep.

    Importance: LOW

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
  • Newer release date
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    May 2020
    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

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD was released more recently than the average camera lens.2020 vs 2016
  • 0.31 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
    0.217 in autofocus mode.
    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

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.5 x vs 0.192 x
  • 1 more aspherical elements
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.3 vs 2
  • 0.03 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    0.85 m in manual focus.
    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

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.27 m vs 0.3 m
  • 16.3% higher user score
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.41 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.
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.41 vs 8.091).9.41 vs 8.09
  • 5 more low-dispersion elements
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD 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
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • Has zoom lock switch
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
  • 0.31 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • 0.03 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.3 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Newer release date
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 57 mm longer lens
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is longer than the average camera lens (149 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 4 mm wider lens barrel
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is wider than the average camera lens (81 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 57 mm longer lens
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is longer than the average camera lens (149 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

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is longer than the average camera lens (149 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.149 mm vs 92 mm
  • 4 mm wider lens barrel
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is wider than the average camera lens (81 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

    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is wider than the average camera lens (81 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.81 mm vs 77 mm
  • 90.6% more expensive
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,010 vs £530).
    Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD is more expensive than the average camera lens (£1,010 vs £530).£1,010 vs £530

Graphic comparison of Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD?

  • Extremely compact and lightweight design for an f/2.8 telephoto lens
  • Excellent image sharpness across the zoom range, even when shooting wide open
  • Very fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance powered by VXD linear motors
  • Significantly more affordable than Sony's native 70-200mm f/2.8 alternatives
  • Moisture-resistant construction with a fluorine-coated front element for durability
  • Unique close-focusing capability (up to 1:2 macro at 70mm in manual focus)

What customers dislike about Tamron 70 180mm F 2 8 Di III VXD?

  • Lacks built-in optical image stabilization (relying solely on camera IBIS)
  • Missing common external controls like a tripod collar or AF/MF toggles
  • Reduced reach compared to standard 70-200mm lenses
  • Noticeable vignetting and distortion, though often corrected in-camera
  • Mainly plastic build quality which may feel less 'premium' than all-metal competitors
  • External zoom design can be susceptible to drawing in dust over time

Expert reviews

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dustinabbott.net
27/04/2020
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10/08/2022
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04/06/2020
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26/07/2020
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16/04/2021
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05/02/2021
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dpreview.com
25/04/2020
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ephotozine.com
19/05/2020
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T
the-digital-picture.com
30/06/2020
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uk.pcmag.com
09/08/2022
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ephotozine.com
19/05/2020
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theslantedlens.com
04/06/2020
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digitalcameraworld.com
30/06/2020
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dpreview.com
22/12/2020
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focus-review.com
19/01/2021
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alphashooters.com
01/02/2022
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digitalkamera.de
07/11/2021
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digitalkamera.de
24/09/2021
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imtest.de
23/12/2022
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lesnumeriques.com
16/06/2020
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les-guides-sony.com
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lesnumeriques.com
12/06/2020
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xatakafoto.com
29/06/2020
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Video reviews

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