Image Credit - petapixel
Advertisement
Hasselblad has just launched its first “Exclusive” zoom lens, the XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E, adding to its renowned XCD lineup. Designed specifically for medium-format cameras like the X2D 100C, this new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens has been crafted with landscape and architecture photographers in mind. The XCD 20-35mm provides a versatile focal length, equivalent to 16-27mm on a full-frame camera, making it an ideal tool for capturing expansive views and detailed interiors.
What sets this new lens apart is its “E” designation, which Hasselblad defines as “Exclusive,” indicating that it offers the highest optical performance of any lens in its series. This zoom lens now stands alongside the XCD lineup’s esteemed prime lenses, such as the XCD 90mm f/2.5, renowned for its stunning sharpness in portrait photography. The XCD 20-35mm, priced at $5,929 / £5,699 / AU$9,639, marks a significant investment, but the lens delivers top-tier optical quality to meet the demands of professionals.
The lens’s construction includes 16 elements in 12 groups, ensuring exceptional clarity across the frame, from the center to the edges. Hasselblad has emphasized its ability to handle the 100MP resolution of the X2D 100C sensor, a critical feature for those working in high-resolution formats. Furthermore, the XCD 20-35mm features a leaf shutter, allowing for vibration reduction and eliminating flash sync limitations beyond the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.
Autofocus performance, a longstanding challenge for Hasselblad when compared to competitors like Sony, Canon, and Nikon, sees a significant boost in the XCD 20-35mm. The stepping motor and focusing drive mechanism, combined with lightweight lens elements, offer quicker and quieter autofocus than previous models, making it a much-anticipated improvement for users.
With Hasselblad’s decision to phase out its H-series cameras, the focus has clearly shifted to its medium-format X-series. This uptick in new XCD lenses, alongside the XCD 20-35mm’s premium features, gives photographers more reasons to consider investing in this high-end system.