Best Lenses under €500 for travel

Best Pick

Viltrox AF 26mm f/2.8 EVO FE

65.8 Travel Score
26mmf/2.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 23.8mm-thick, 130g pancake lens with both a dedicated aperture ring and a focus ring, plus a 0.2m minimum focusing distance for close-up shots. Its 6-group, 8-element optical design with 2 aspherical and 1 high-refractive index elements delivers sharp images, while the gear-type STM motor provides near-silent autofocus. Best for street and travel photographers who prioritize pocketability and manual control over macro capability.

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Sony E 11mm f/1.8 APS-C

63.4 Travel Score
11mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.8 maximum aperture on this 11mm prime delivers strong low-light performance and depth-of-field control for an ultra-wide field of view. Its compact, lightweight build makes it a discreet choice for gimbal or handheld shooting despite lacking stabilization. This lens is best for vloggers and street photographers needing a fast, wide perspective in tight spaces.

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35mmf/1.8Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a bright f/1.8 aperture with an 11-blade diaphragm, this lens delivers smooth bokeh and strong low-light performance on full-frame Sony E-mount bodies. The quiet STM stepper motor and de-clicked aperture ring make it a versatile, affordable option for hybrid shooters needing silent operation. This lens is best for budget-conscious photographers and videographers who prioritize shallow depth of field and discreet manual control.

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Sirui Sniper 16mm f/1.2 APS-C

52.6 Travel Score
16mmf/1.2Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining an ultrafast f/1.2 aperture with a 24mm full-frame equivalent field of view, this lens excels in low light and depth-of-field control on APS-C Nikon Z bodies. Its STM motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus with minimal focus breathing, making it a strong hybrid option for video work at a competitive price. This lens is best for vloggers and hybrid shooters who need a wide, bright prime for run-and-gun content creation.

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Viltrox AF 14mm f/4 Air FE

60.6 Travel Score
14mmf/4Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 14mm f/4 prime delivers a 112-degree field of view with 12 elements in 9 groups, including 4 ED and 2 aspherical elements, and weighs just 170g. Its STM autofocus is quiet and smooth for video, and the lens is weather-sealed with a USB-C port for firmware updates. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters who need an ultra-wide, lightweight prime for Nikon Z full-frame cameras.

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Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8

52.7 Travel Score
20mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 157g with full-frame coverage and weather sealing, this 20mm f/2.8 prime stands out for its exceptional portability without sacrificing optical quality, using 2 ED and 2 aspherical elements. The quiet STM autofocus supports Eye AF and a 7.5" minimum focus distance for dynamic close-ups, while a USB-C port allows for user-installed firmware updates. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters who need an ultra-light, affordable wide-angle prime for Sony E-mount bodies.

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25mmf/1.8Sony EIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 133g, this 25mm f/1.8 prime offers a bright aperture for background bokeh and low-light shooting in an ultra-compact form factor. Fast, silent STM autofocus and optical stabilization make it a discreet tool for both stills and video capture. It’s best for street photographers and vloggers needing a lightweight everyday carry lens with a natural 37.5mm equivalent field of view.

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Samyang AF 85mm f/1.8 P FE

48.2 Travel Score
85mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.8 aperture and 272g weight make this 85mm prime a compact, fast lens for Sony E full-frame cameras, with weather sealing and a 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. Its Linear Stepping Motor delivers silent autofocus, and the matte finish with Micro-Pattern Rubber improves grip and reduces fingerprints, ideal for outdoor use. Best for street and travel photographers who need a lightweight, weather-resistant lens for quick, quiet shooting.

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33mmf/1.4Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/1.4 aperture and 11-element optical design with ED glass deliver strong subject separation and a natural 49.5mm equivalent field of view on APS-C Sony bodies. Its weather-sealed build, custom Fn button, and ultra-quiet Digital Stepping Motor add practical control for hybrid shooting at a budget-friendly price point. This lens is best for street photographers and videographers needing a fast, silent normal prime with reliable autofocus.

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32mmSony EIS
Why we recommend this ▼

A repurposed 32mm f/11 pancake lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras delivers an instant retro film look with a dreamy soft blur, no editing required. Its ultra-lightweight, pocketable build and eco-friendly design from reused film camera lenses make it a unique, sustainable choice for spontaneous shooting. Best for content creators on Panasonic or Olympus bodies who want vintage-style photos and videos straight out of camera, without post-processing.

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Samyang 45mm f/1.8 AF Ultra

45.5 Travel Score
45mmf/1.8Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 162g, this ultra-compact 45mm f/1.8 prime offers a natural 53-degree field of view and a bright aperture for strong subject separation with 9-blade bokeh. Its advanced optical design with two aspherical elements minimizes distortion while delivering high resolution specifically optimized for Sony E-mount mirrorless bodies. This lens is best for travel and street photographers who prioritize a featherlight, pocketable full-frame setup without sacrificing low-light capability.

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16mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 207g build pairs a bright f/2.8 aperture with a linear stepping motor that ensures near-silent autofocus and minimal focus breathing for video. Weather sealing and a USB-C port for firmware updates add durability and future-proofing beyond its compact price point. This ultrawide prime is best for vloggers and landscape photographers needing a lightweight, gimbal-friendly lens that handles 4K footage and close-up details at a 1:3.03 magnification.

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Meike Pro 55mm f/1.8 AF

41.1 Travel Score
55mmf/1.8Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

A bright f/1.8 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm deliver smooth bokeh and solid low-light autofocus on a full-frame sensor. Its optical design uses 11 elements with 2 ED lenses and multilayer coatings to suppress aberrations, while the lightweight 364g build and USB-C firmware updates add practical value. This lens is best for portrait photographers on Sony E-mount seeking an affordable, fast prime with modern autofocus capabilities.

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Meike 33mm f/1.4 AF APS-C

40.8 Travel Score
33mmf/1.4Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.4 maximum aperture and 9-blade diaphragm deliver strong subject separation and smooth bokeh on APS-C sensors, giving a 50mm full-frame equivalent field of view. Its lightweight 315g build and STM autofocus motor make it a discreet, responsive option for everyday shooting without the premium price tag. This lens is best for Sony E-mount or FUJIFILM X-mount portrait and lifestyle photographers wanting a fast normal prime on a tight budget.

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50mmf/1.4Sony EIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 50mm f/1.4 tilt-shift mechanism and bright aperture enable precise focus plane control and pronounced bokeh via a 12-blade diaphragm on Fujifilm X-mount bodies. Its compact 364g build and 75mm full-frame equivalent field of view make it a portable option for deliberate, creative compositions. This lens is best for portrait and still-life photographers wanting affordable tilt-shift effects without investing in proprietary systems.

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7Artisans 35mm f/1.4 APS-C

38.3 Travel Score
35mmf/1.4Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.4 maximum aperture and 9-blade diaphragm deliver strong low-light performance and smooth bokeh, while the STM motor provides fast, near-silent autofocus with minimal focus breathing. Weighing only 228g with a 35cm minimum focus distance, it is a compact, travel-friendly prime that suits close-up shots and video work. Best for Fuji X-mount shooters who prioritize portraits and street photography over landscape work.

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Best Lenses under €900 for travel

Best Pick

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

79.8 Travel Score
24-105mmf/4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/4 aperture across a 24-105mm range, combined with 4 aspherical and 3 ED elements, delivers consistent exposure and sharpness for a true one-lens solution. The 663g build integrates Optical SteadyShot stabilization and full weather sealing, making it a durable, handheld-friendly option for unpredictable conditions. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers who need a single, reliable zoom covering wide vistas to short telephoto details without swapping glass.

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18-50mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 299g with a compact 69.2mm diameter, this f/2.8 lens is the smallest and lightest in its class for Canon RF mount systems. The rubber-sealed mount and a close 12.1cm minimum focusing distance add practical versatility for everyday shooting. This lens is best for street and portrait photographers who prioritize a lightweight, unobtrusive setup for candid work.

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Samyang AF 12mm f/2 APS-C

51.6 Travel Score
12mmf/2Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

With a 12mm focal length (18mm equivalent), f/2.0 aperture, and linear STM autofocus, this lens captures a 99.1° field of view with weather-sealed construction. Weighing just 213g and accepting 62mm screw-in filters, its optical design with 1 aspherical and 2 ED elements ensures sharp, coma-free images for astrophotography. It’s the ideal lightweight ultra-wide prime for Sony E-mount APS-C shooters who need low-light performance and weather resistance for landscape and night sky work.

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20mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 20mm f/2.8 prime weighs just 220g, making it one of the lightest ultra-wide lenses for Sony E-mount, with a 1:2 macro capability and a 0.11m minimum focus distance. Its moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating support outdoor shooting, while the OSD motor delivers quiet autofocus for video and stills. This lens suits travel and street photographers who need a compact, affordable ultra-wide for landscapes and close-up details.

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70-300mmf/4.5-5.6Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 70-300mm zoom range with a linear autofocus motor and Optical SteadyShot stabilization makes this lens a solid choice for handheld telephoto work. Its 854g weight and weather-sealed build keep it portable and durable for outdoor shooting, while the Nano AR Coating controls flare. Best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a versatile, full-frame E-mount zoom without prime-lens bulk.

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Rokinon AF 24mm f/1.8

45.5 Travel Score
24mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 230g weight and weather-sealed build make this an exceptionally portable 24mm f/1.8 prime for full-frame Sony E-mount shooters. Its optical design, incorporating 2 aspherical and 2 ED elements with UMC coating, delivers sharp, high-contrast images while the Linear STM motor provides quiet autofocus. This lens is best for street and landscape photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit without sacrificing a fast aperture for low-light conditions.

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27mmf/1.2Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 27mm F1.2 aperture on an APS-C lens gives a 40.5mm full-frame equivalent field of view with soft, cinematic bokeh and strong low-light performance, using 15 elements in 11 groups with HD Nano multilayer coating. The all-metal body is weather-sealed with a de-clickable aperture ring and USB-C firmware port, weighing 560g for hybrid use. This lens is best for portrait and video creators on Sony APS-C cameras who want a fast, durable prime for shallow depth of field and reliable autofocus.

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Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 FE

42.3 Travel Score
16mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.8 aperture and 105.6° angle of view deliver strong low-light performance and expansive framing for Nikon Z cameras. Its STM+lead screw motor provides fast, accurate autofocus, while the 9-blade diaphragm produces smooth background blur. This lens is best for landscape and astrophotography shooters who need an ultra-wide perspective with reliable subject isolation.

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Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 APS-C

39.6 Travel Score
12mmf/2.8Sony E
Why we recommend this ▼

The 12mm focal length delivers a 99-degree field of view on APS-C, with an 11-element, 8-group design including one aspherical element and T* anti-reflective coating for edge-to-edge sharpness and color fidelity. The floating elements design maintains consistent performance from 180mm minimum focus to infinity, while the 260g metal barrel and 9-blade diaphragm offer durability and smooth bokeh. Best for landscape and architecture photographers on Fujifilm X-mount who need a compact, wide-angle prime with reliable autofocus and minimal distortion.

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7Artisans AF 135mm f/1.8

39 Travel Score
135mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining 16 elements with 6 ED glass and a 12-blade aperture, this lens delivers edge-to-edge sharpness and smooth F1.8 bokeh suitable for 60MP sensors. Its aerospace-grade aluminum body features full weather sealing, a declicked control ring, and dual FN buttons for silent, precise operation. This is best for portrait and studio photographers needing a durable, optically refined 135mm prime with modern STM autofocus on Nikon Z cameras.

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Best Lenses under €1,500 for travel

Best Pick
70-180mmf/2.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture across the 70-180mm range pairs with VXD linear autofocus and Vibration Compensation for sharp, stabilized telephoto shots. Its compact, moisture-resistant build and 11.8-inch close focusing distance add versatility uncommon in fast telephoto zooms. This lens is best for Sony E-mount shooters needing a lightweight, all-purpose telephoto for portraits, events, and sports.

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24-70mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A redesigned HLA autofocus motor and a 7% smaller, 10% lighter body than its predecessor make this a fast-handling f/2.8 standard zoom. Its 6.7-inch minimum focusing distance delivers a strong 1:2.7 magnification ratio, offering near-macro versatility uncommon in this class. This lens is best for hybrid shooters needing a single, weather-sealed tool that excels at both detailed close-ups and general landscape work.

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Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G

62.4 Travel Score
20-70mmf/4Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its unprecedented 20-70mm zoom range starts at an ultra-wide 20mm, a first for a standard f/4 zoom, paired with a constant f/4 aperture and a lightweight 488g, weather-sealed build. The lens delivers outstanding G-series resolution across the frame and refined video performance with minimized focus breathing, while its 0.39x maximum magnification offers excellent close-up capability throughout the zoom range. This is the ideal single-lens solution for travel photographers and hybrid shooters who need wide landscapes and standard framing without swapping optics.

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16-75mmf/1.5Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant T1.5 aperture and 16-blade diaphragm produce exceptionally smooth bokeh and strong subject separation for full-frame sensors. Its sub-450g aluminum build, weather sealing, and unified gear placement make it a practical, travel-ready option for gimbal and handheld rigs. This lens is best for independent filmmakers and cinematographers needing precise, 210-degree manual focus pulls for narrative or documentary work.

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70-200mmf/2.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Dual HLA motors deliver fast, quiet autofocus and the OS2 algorithm provides 7.5 stops of stabilization, making this f/2.8 telephoto zoom exceptionally steady for handheld work. Its internal zoom mechanism and weather-sealed Sports-line build resist dust and moisture while minimizing focus breathing for consistent framing. This lens is best for sports and wildlife photographers using Sony E-mount who need reliable subject tracking and sharp results in challenging outdoor conditions.

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Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8

53 Travel Score
85mmf/1.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The Sonnar optical design with three anomalous partial dispersion elements and ZEISS T* coating delivers high contrast and virtually eliminates chromatic aberrations. Its integrated OLED display for focus distance and depth of field, combined with optical stabilization in a weather-sealed 452g body, adds practical on-location utility. This lens is best for Sony E-mount photographers who prioritize precise, color-accurate rendering and compact handling over maximum background blur for portraiture.

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Rokinon AF 14-24mm f/2.8

52.4 Travel Score
14-24mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a constant f/2.8 aperture with a lightweight 445g build and weather sealing, this ultra-wide zoom stands out for full-frame Sony shooters needing portability without sacrificing speed. Its optical design, incorporating three aspherical and three ED elements with Ultra Multi-Coating, delivers sharpness across the frame while a 7-inch minimum focus distance enables dramatic close-up perspectives. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who require a durable, fast wide-angle zoom for challenging outdoor conditions.

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Viltrox LAB AF 35mm f/1.2 FE

42.7 Travel Score
35mmf/1.2Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture and advanced optical design with 5 ED and 2 aspherical elements deliver exceptional low-light performance and subject separation with smooth, 11-blade bokeh. The quiet VCM autofocus motor and weather-sealed, multilayer nanocoated barrel with dual Fn buttons offer reliable, customizable control in demanding conditions. This lens is best for portrait and studio photographers who prioritize extreme shallow depth of field and robust build quality over portability.

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Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE

34.3 Travel Score
135mmf/1.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.8 aperture combined with three ED elements and an ultra-precision aspherical element delivers sharp subject separation and suppressed aberrations for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. Its weather-sealed, 772g build and 11-blade diaphragm provide durable handling and smooth bokeh at a competitive price point. This lens is best for portrait and astrophotography shooters who prioritize fast autofocus and optical clarity without the premium cost of first-party glass.

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Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

31.9 Travel Score
12mmf/2.8Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its Zero-D optical design with 16 elements including 3 ED and 2 aspherical lenses delivers a 122° field of view with near-zero distortion, making it a standout for rectilinear ultra-wide shooting. The manual focus lens is relatively lightweight at 609g and features a 5-blade iris that produces a distinct 10-point sun-star effect when stopped down. This lens is best for architectural and real estate photographers who require precise, distortion-free lines on a full-frame Sony E-mount body.

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Best Lenses under €2,500 for travel

Best Pick
60-600mmf/4.5-6.3Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A 10x zoom range from 60mm to 600mm, paired with a fast Linear Actuator (HLA) autofocus motor, makes this the only mirrorless lens of its kind, though its 2485g weight demands a sturdy grip. The dust and splash-resistant build and 1:2.4 maximum magnification add versatility for outdoor shooting, while the Dual Action Zoom function allows quick focal length changes. Best for wildlife and sports photographers on Sony E mount who need one lens to cover distant subjects without swapping glass.

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Sony 28-135mm f/4 G Series

58.2 Travel Score
28-135mmf/4Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A servo-powered zoom mechanism and constant f/4 aperture across the 28-135mm range make this a standout for controlled video environments. Optical SteadyShot stabilization and a Nano AR Coating ensure sharp, consistent footage, while the full-frame E-mount compatibility offers wide creative latitude. This lens is best for documentary filmmakers and event videographers who need a single, reliable parfocal zoom for run-and-gun shooting.

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100mmf/2.8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 100mm f/2.8 prime delivers 1.4x native magnification, extending to 2.8x with a teleconverter, while two XA and two ED elements ensure edge-to-edge G Master resolution. Its four XD linear motors provide fast, quiet autofocus and advanced optical stabilization is specifically tuned for precise handheld macro work. This lens is best for macro specialists needing extreme detail capture beyond 1:1, from product photographers to entomologists working in the field.

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Premium Lenses for travel

Best Pick

Sony FE 28-70mm f/2 GM

57.5 Travel Score
28-70mmf/2Sony EWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2 aperture across the 28-70mm zoom range effectively replaces a set of fast primes, supported by four XD linear motors for rapid, silent autofocus. Its Nano AR Coating II and 11-blade diaphragm deliver high contrast and smooth bokeh, while the dust- and moisture-sealed build ensures reliability on location. This lens is best for wedding and event photographers who need a single, versatile optic to handle low-light venues and quick scene changes.

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400-800mmf/6.3-8Sony EISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 400-800mm zoom range, extendable to 1600mm with teleconverters, provides unmatched reach for full-frame E-mount cameras. Its internal zoom design and 2722g weight maintain balanced handling, while dual linear motors deliver fast, quiet autofocus for tracking erratic subjects. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need extreme focal lengths without sacrificing handheld stability.

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