Best Lenses under $500 for landscape

Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 20-60mm

71.6 Landscape Score
20-60mmf/3.5L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 20–60mm focal length starts at an ultrawide 20mm—unusual for a kit zoom—while packing a compact 567g build, full weather sealing, and 0.43x maximum magnification for near-macro close-ups. Video recording benefits from suppressed focus breathing and smooth aperture control, and the 67mm filter thread matches common accessories. This lens is best for travel photographers and hybrid shooters who want a single, durable optic to capture vast landscapes, environmental portraits, and detailed close-ups in any weather.

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Price $359
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Panasonic LUMIX S S-R2060 20-60mm lens

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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sigma Contemporary 16mm f/1.4 DC DN 16mm

64.7 Landscape Score
16mmf/1.4L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its bright f/1.4 aperture and 24mm full-frame equivalent field of view excel in low light, while the optical design with two aspherical and five ED elements delivers sharp, high-contrast images. The weather-sealed build and smooth, quiet stepping motor AF make it a durable choice for both stills and video. This lens is best for APS-C Sony shooters needing a fast, wide prime for astrophotography, environmental portraits, and vlogging.

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7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8

50.2 Landscape Score
24mmf/16L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The 14-element optical design with 2 aspherical and 3 ED elements delivers sharp full-frame images, while the f/1.8 aperture and 11-blade diaphragm create smooth bokeh for subject separation. Its quiet STM motor supports face and eye detection autofocus, making it a lightweight 424g option for L-Mount systems without weather sealing. This lens is best for street and environmental portrait photographers who prioritize a fast, wide-angle prime with strong close-up rendering.

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7Artisans AF 24mm f/1.8 AF 24mm lens
Price $280
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Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie 8-15mm

48.5 Landscape Score
15mmf/22L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 154g weight and pancake form factor make it the most portable full-frame 15mm lens available, delivering a 110° angle of view without bulk. The manual focus design and 5-blade diaphragm create distinct 10-point sunstars, while the 4.7-inch minimum focus distance enables dramatic close-up perspectives. This lens is best for landscape and street photographers who prioritize an ultralight kit and deliberate, hands-on control over autofocus speed.

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Sigma DG Contemporary 24mm f/3.5 DG 24mm

55.1 Landscape Score
24mmf/3.5L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Weighing just 225g with a weather-sealed, all-metal barrel, this lens stands out for its 1:2 maximum magnification and a 108mm minimum focus distance, enabling near-macro capability in a full-frame 24mm prime. Its fast internal focus system and knurled aperture ring deliver a tactile, precise shooting experience that belies its compact size. This lens is best for hikers and travel photographers who need an ultra-light, durable wide-angle that can capture both expansive landscapes and detailed close-ups.

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TTArtisan Ultra-Wide 14mm f/2.8 Full frame 14mm

47.5 Landscape Score
14mmf/2.8L-MountIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 13-element optical design with aspherical elements delivers exceptional sharpness across the full frame, paired with a bright f/2.8 aperture for strong low-light performance. The expansive 114-degree field of view and broad multi-mount compatibility make it a versatile, affordable option for mirrorless systems. This manual focus prime is best for landscape and architecture photographers who prioritize edge-to-edge clarity and don't require autofocus.

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TTArtisan Ultra-Wide 14mm f/2.8 Full frame 14mm lens
Price $196

TTArtisan AF7520-B-Z

41.4 Landscape Score
75mmf/16L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/2 aperture and 9-blade diaphragm on this 329g full-frame prime deliver strong subject separation with smooth bokeh for portraiture. Its all-metal build and clickable aperture ring provide tactile, durable handling at a budget-friendly price point. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a lightweight autofocus 75mm with classic focal length rendering.

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Brightin Star 9mm f/5.6 9mm

37.9 Landscape Score
9mmf/22L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

With a 132° field of view and near-zero distortion, this 9mm f/5.6 manual-focus prime delivers rectilinear ultrawide shots that avoid fisheye warping. Its 20cm minimum focus and 5-blade diaphragm creating 10-point starbursts make it a dual-purpose lens for both architecture close-ups and nightscapes. Best suited for landscape and architectural photographers who need true rectilinear wide angles and can work with manual focus and the 780g weight.

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Brightin Star 9mm f/5.6 9mm lens
Price $340

7Artisans 18mm f/5.6 18mm

37.2 Landscape Score
18mmf/5.6L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 146g pancake design with full-frame coverage and a 98.7° ultrawide angle of view makes it an exceptionally portable lens for expansive scenes. The constant f/5.6 aperture and manual focus design prioritize a slim profile and deliberate shooting over low-light speed. This lens is best for landscape and street photographers who want a tiny, lightweight prime for daylight walkaround use on Sony E-mount bodies.

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TTArtisan APS-C 23 1.4 Black&Silver 23mm

35.7 Landscape Score
23mmf/16L-MountIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.4 aperture and 10-blade diaphragm produce strong subject isolation with smooth bokeh, while the 8-element optical design with one ED and three high-refractive-index lenses controls aberrations for sharp results. Its all-metal manual focus construction with a tactile clicked aperture ring and 20cm close-focus distance offers a deliberate, vintage shooting experience at a budget-friendly price. This lens suits street and portrait photographers on L-mount APS-C systems who prioritize character and hands-on control over autofocus speed.

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Brightin Star 50mm f/1.05 50mm

34.4 Landscape Score
50mmf/11L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The ultra-bright f/1.05 maximum aperture and 15-blade diaphragm deliver exceptionally shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh for subject isolation. Its all-metal barrel construction provides a robust, tactile feel that complements the deliberate manual focus design. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers who prioritize creative depth-of-field control and a hands-on shooting experience over autofocus speed.

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Brightin Star 50mm f/1.05 50mm lens
Price $255

Meike 50mm f/1.2 50mm

32.7 Landscape Score
50mmf/22L-MountIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The f/1.2 maximum aperture and 12-element optical design deliver exceptional subject separation and smooth bokeh for a distinctive, shallow depth-of-field look. Its all-metal construction provides a robust, tactile feel that belies its budget-friendly positioning, though it requires fully manual focus and aperture control. This lens is best for portrait photographers and low-light specialists on Sony E-mount who prioritize creative control and image character over autofocus convenience.

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Meike 50mm f/1.2 50mm lens
Price $200

Artra Lab Nonikkor-MC 35mm f/1.4 35mm

30.6 Landscape Score
35mmf/1.4L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The 35mm f/1.4 prime lens uses a 10-blade diaphragm and manual focus design to deliver smooth bokeh and strong low-light control in a compact full-frame package. Its lightweight 272g build, vintage-inspired metal construction, and low-reflective multilayer coating reduce aberrations while providing a tactile shooting experience absent from modern AF lenses. Best for portrait and street photographers who prioritize shallow depth of field, manual control, and a classic rendering over landscape sharpness.

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Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III 50mm

30.4 Landscape Score
50mmf/16L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

Its ultra-fast f/0.95 maximum aperture and 11-blade diaphragm deliver extreme subject isolation and soft bokeh, making it stand out for shallow depth-of-field work. The upgraded optical design with five ED elements enhances flare resistance and sharpness, while the all-metal build provides a durable, tactile manual-focus experience. This lens is best for portrait photographers using Leica M, Nikon Z, or Canon RF systems who prioritize low-light capability and precise focus control over autofocus convenience.

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Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 50mm f/0.95 III 50mm lens
Price $499

Best Lenses under $1,000 for landscape

Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 28-200mm

86.5 Landscape Score
28-200mmf/4L-MountISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 413g, the 28-200mm f/4-7.1 zoom offers full-frame coverage with 1:2 maximum magnification and a 5.5-inch minimum focus distance for genuine macro capability. 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 stabilization and a weather-sealed body support sharp handheld shooting in rain or dust. This lens is ideal for macro photographers and lightweight travel shooters who need a single optic that excels at close-ups and landscapes.

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Sigma Contemporary 20-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DG

71.1 Landscape Score
20-200mmf/6.3L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 20-200mm telephoto zoom with f/3.5 aperture and built-in stabilization offers versatile reach for Sony E-mount cameras. Weighing 889g and backed by a 4.8/5 user rating, it balances solid autofocus and dependable performance at a budget-focused price. This lens best suits casual travel and everyday shooters who need a broad focal range with stabilization, not professionals requiring top-tier optical performance (professional score: 34.4/100).

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Rokinon AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

67.8 Landscape Score
35-150mm16-22L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A bright f/2-2.8 maximum aperture across the entire 35-150mm zoom range effectively isolates subjects with a 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. The weather-sealed, all-in-one design eliminates lens swaps during fast-paced events, supported by a responsive linear stepping motor and three custom mode switches. This lens is best for event and portrait photographers needing a single, rugged solution to cover wide-angle to telephoto perspectives.

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Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 150mm

61.4 Landscape Score
35-150mm16-22L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a fast f/2-2.8 aperture with a 35-150mm zoom range, this lens replaces multiple primes for full-frame L-mount bodies. Its optical design incorporates 6 ED and 2 aspherical elements for edge-to-edge sharpness, housed in a weather-sealed, 1210g build with three custom mode switches. This all-in-one zoom is best for event and portrait photographers who need rapid focal length changes without sacrificing low-light capability.

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Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6

55.8 Landscape Score
10-18mmf/4.5L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The ultra-compact 496g build and full-frame coverage make this 10-18mm zoom uniquely portable for an L-Mount system, aided by a de-clicked aperture for silent video adjustments. Its optical design uses two aspherical and one ED element to control distortion, while the Frog Eye Coating repels moisture from the front element. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit and are comfortable with manual focus.

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Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH 35mm

54.4 Landscape Score
35mmf/2L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The advanced optical design with 3 aspherical and 3 ED elements delivers exceptional sharpness, while the 12-blade diaphragm creates smooth bokeh from its f/2 aperture. Its compact 400g build and whisper-quiet autofocus make it a discreet, weather-sealed tool for hybrid shooters. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers needing a robust, lightweight 35mm prime with a classic rendering on the L-Mount system.

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AstrHori Macro Probe Lens Set 18mm f/8 18mm

50 Landscape Score
18mmf/28L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Its waterproof, 0.9-inch diameter probe barrel with a built-in LED ring light and 2:1 magnification captures detailed close-ups in tight spaces that standard macro lenses cannot reach. The 18mm focal length provides a wide-angle perspective with a broad depth of field, rendering both subject and environment in focus for context-rich shots. This lens is best for product videographers and nature documentarians needing to film inside small cavities or capture immersive macro scenes.

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AstrHori Macro Probe Lens Set 18mm f/8 Macro Probe 18mm lens
Price $679

Sigma Art 270101 70mm

45.2 Landscape Score
70mmf/2.8L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The optical design, featuring two high refractive index SLD elements and a floating focus system, delivers sharp 1:1 macro reproduction with minimal aberrations. Its compact 526g build and 49mm filter thread make it a lightweight, filter-friendly option for precise field work. This lens is best for macro photographers using L-Mount systems who prioritize optical clarity over autofocus speed or weather sealing.

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Sigma Art 270101 70mm lens
Price $549

Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 100mm Full-Frame Anamorphic 100mm

38.5 Landscape Score
100mmf/22L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Combining a fast T1.8 aperture with selectable autofocus in a full-frame anamorphic lens, the 100mm focal length delivers a 2.4:1 widescreen image with characteristic blue streak flares and no cropping. The 13-blade diaphragm creates oval bokeh and the weather-sealed, 700g build maintains a practical 67mm filter thread for on-set versatility. This lens is best for narrative filmmakers and solo operators who need the classic anamorphic look with the speed and convenience of reliable autofocus on Sony E-mount cameras.

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Sirui Astra 50mm

37.1 Landscape Score
50mmT1.8L-MountISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

With a 44mm image circle covering full-frame sensors, a constant T1.8 aperture, and 1.33x anamorphic squeeze for native 2.35:1 output, this autofocus, weather-sealed lens delivers cinematic character with reliable stabilization. Selectable blue or neutral flares and an AF/MF switch supporting LiDAR follow-focus provide direct, precise look control rarely seen in anamorphic primes. It’s best for independent filmmakers and portrait shooters needing anamorphic rendering and low-light flexibility in close-up scenarios on Sony E-mount bodies.

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Sirui Astra Series T1.8 1.33x 50mm Full-Frame Anamorphic 50mm

35.9 Landscape Score
50mmL-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

The autofocus-capable 1.33x anamorphic design covers full-frame with a 44mm image circle and a fast T1.8 aperture, delivering a 2.4:1 widescreen ratio without cropping. Neutral streak flares and oval bokeh provide a natural cinematic look, while selectable manual/autofocus and a light 635g body enhance on-set adaptability. Best for Sony E-mount filmmakers needing dependable autofocus for portrait and narrative work on gimbals, where the close 1.6-foot minimum focus distance adds creative framing.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for landscape

Best Pick

Panasonic LUMIX S PRO S-R70200 70-200mm

85.6 Landscape Score
70-200mmf/4L-MountISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/4 aperture across the 70-200mm zoom range, combined with a 6-stop Dual I.S. 2 stabilization system, delivers sharp handheld telephoto shots. Its Leica-certified optics and suppressed focus breathing make it a strong hybrid tool for both stills and video, while the dust, splash, and freeze-resistant build ensures reliability in harsh conditions. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a lightweight, weather-sealed workhorse with dependable autofocus.

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Best Lenses under $2,500 for landscape

Best Pick

Leica Vario-Elmar-SL 100-400mm f/5-6.3

63 Landscape Score
100-400mmf/22L-MountISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 100-400mm range provides the broadest telephoto reach in the SL-System, paired with a 4-stop optical stabilizer for sharp handheld shots at full extension. Its weather-sealed, relatively compact 1480g build and AquaDura coating ensure reliable performance in rain or snow without excessive bulk. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers using an SL2 or SL2-S body who need fast, precise autofocus tracking in challenging outdoor conditions.

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Panasonic LUMIX S S-R100500 100-500mm

61.3 Landscape Score
100-500mm29-40L-MountISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

With a compact 7.7-inch barrel and 7-stop Dual I.S. stabilization, this 100-500mm f/5-7.1 L-mount lens enables sharp handheld telephoto shooting across its range. Its 19-element, 12-group optical design with 4 ED elements delivers crisp details and smooth bokeh, enhanced by an 11-blade diaphragm and a 2.6-foot close focus that provides 1:2.8 magnification for near-macro results. Best for landscape photographers needing telephoto compression and wildlife or motorsports shooters who prioritize portability and weather-sealed durability.

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Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 11196 70mm

58.2 Landscape Score
28-70mmf/22L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A constant f/2.8 aperture in a 572g full-frame zoom makes this lens uniquely portable without sacrificing low-light performance. Its dust and splash-proof build with Aqua-Dura coating provides reliable weather sealing, while the quiet autofocus system suits both stills and video capture. This lens is best for travel and event photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit and can trade the 24mm wide end for a compact standard zoom.

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Premium Lenses for landscape

Best Pick

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH

68.3 Landscape Score
70-200mmf/2.8L-MountISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture paired with 3.5-stop optical stabilization and three aspherical elements delivers sharp, aberration-free results across the full frame. Its dust and moisture-resistant build with Aqua-Dura coating ensures reliable performance in challenging conditions, despite a heavier 1540g weight. This lens is best for video cinematographers and portrait photographers who prioritize optical precision and robust build quality over travel-friendly portability.

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Price $3,525
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH lens

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These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sigma Sports 598969 600mm

61.1 Landscape Score
300-600mmf/22L-MountISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering the reach of a super-telephoto prime with the flexibility of a zoom, this lens maintains a constant f/4 aperture across its entire 300-600mm range, paired with an HLA-driven AF motor and 5.5-stop stabilization. Its weather-sealed magnesium alloy build and internal zoom mechanism ensure robust, balanced handling in demanding field conditions. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need uncompromising speed and optical quality without swapping fixed focal lengths.

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Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 11177 16-35mm

65.9 Landscape Score
16-35mmf/3.5L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 wide-angle zoom’s 18-element, 12-group optical path with four aspherical elements and AquaDura coating produces sharp, flare-resistant images in wet or dusty conditions. A near-silent stepping motor and non-extending barrel make it equally capable for discreet video work and all-weather field use. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers who need a durable, silent-focusing ultrawide for both stills and video.

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Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 11177 16-35mm lens
Price $6,395

Leica SL Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Aspherical 24-90mm

63.3 Landscape Score
24-90mmf/2.8L-MountISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

A 24-90mm focal range with an f/2.8-4 aperture and optical stabilization captures sharp detail from 0.3m close-ups to expansive scenes. Its weather-sealed all-metal build, AquaDura hydrophobic coating, and 18-element optical design deliver reliable performance in demanding conditions. This lens suits full-frame Leica SL photographers prioritizing optical precision and tank-like durability for travel and location portraiture, despite its 1,140g weight.

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Leica Super-Vario-Elmarit-SL 24mm

52.3 Landscape Score
14-24mmf/22L-MountWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/2.8 aperture across a 14-24mm zoom range, combined with three aspherical elements and Aqua-Dura coatings, ensures edge-to-edge sharpness and a sweeping 114-degree field of view. Its all-metal, dust and moisture-resistant design provides durability for outdoor use, while the fast autofocus system reliably handles moving subjects. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers who need a rugged, bright ultra-wide zoom with precise autofocus in challenging environments.

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Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 11175 90-280mm

32.2 Landscape Score
90-280mmf/2.8L-MountIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Seven anomalous partial dispersion elements and a 3.5-stop optical stabilization system deliver virtually aberration-free images across the 90-280mm range at f/2.8-4. The robust, all-metal build and fast linear-motor autofocus ensure dependable handling in demanding environments. This lens is best for portrait specialists and event photographers who prioritize critical sharpness, smooth bokeh, and reliable telephoto versatility.

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Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21mm f/2 ASPH. 21mm

31.5 Landscape Score
21mmf/22L-Mount
Why we recommend this ▼

A world-first apochromatic correction at 21mm pairs with an f/2 constant aperture and dual synchro drive autofocus, delivering distortion-free edge-to-edge sharpness. Its exceptionally light 95g full-frame build makes it one of the most portable ultra-wide Leica primes without sacrificing optical precision. This lens suits street and architectural photographers who need a discreet, fast 21mm for high-clarity work in tight spaces.

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