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Hasselblad announces the XCD 20-35mm F3.2-4.5 E, a wide zoom lens for medium format

Hasselblad announces the XCD 20-35mm F3.2-4.5 E, a wide zoom lens for medium format

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Image: Hasselblad

Hasselblad has announced the XCD 20-35mm F3.2-4.5 E, equivalent to 16-27mm in full-frame terms. It's the company's first ultra-wide zoom lens, and Hasselblad says it should deliver the same level of image quality as its XCD prime lenses.

Formally branded the XCD 3,2-4,5/20-35E, it's also the first lens in the company's new XCD E series. According to Hasselblad, 'E' stands for Excellence and represents the top level of optical performance in the XCD series.

The new lens has the widest field of view and the largest aperture in Hasselblad's medium format system. Optically, the internally focusing lens is comprised of 16 elements in 12 groups, and includes three aspherical elements. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.32m (13") and maintains its widest f3.2 aperture all the way to 24mm.

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Images: Hasselblad

The lens is housed in an all-metal ring with a matching metal lens hood and features a focus and control (aperture) ring. Its leaf shutter supports flash sync speeds of up to 1/2000 sec., and autofocus is driven by a stepper motor for quiet movement. Physically, the lens is 117mm (4.6") long with a diameter of 81mm (3.2") and weighs 805g (1.8lbs). It has a 77m filter thread.

The XCD 3,2-4,5/20-35E has a suggested retail price of $5,929 in the US and €6,729 in Europe.

Hasselblad XCD 20-35mm F3.2-4.5 E specifications

Principal specifications
Lens typeZoom lens
Max Format sizeMedium Format (645)
Focal length20–35 mm
Image stabilizationNo
Lens mountHasselblad X
Aperture
Maximum apertureF3.2–4.5
Minimum apertureF32
Aperture ringNo
Optics
Elements16
Groups12
Special elements / coatings3 aspherical elements
Focus
Minimum focus0.32 m (12.6)
Maximum magnification0.16×
Full time manualUnknown
Focus methodInternal
Distance scaleNo
DoF scaleNo
Physical
Weight805 g (1.77 lb)
Diameter81 mm (3.19)
Length117 mm (4.61)
MaterialsMetal
Zoom methodRotary (internal)
Filter thread77 mm
Hood suppliedYes
Tripod collarNo