Articles
Hasselblad's new lens is a medium format standard zoom
DPReview News |
| Image: Hasselblad |
Hasselblad has announced the XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E, a medium format zoom lens with a range roughly equivalent to a full-frame 28-76mm. Its range and speed make it similar to the popular 24-70mm "standard zooms" on full-frame systems, making it a versatile option for the system.
The lens is made of 16 elements in 13 groups, with three aspherical lenses and five extra-low dispersion elements. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m (15.7") at the wide end, and 0.5m (19.7") at the long end.
Hasselblad says the 35-100mm F2.8-4 is the second entry to its 'E' series, which it says "perform exceptionally well across all focal lengths." It follows the wide-angle 20-35mm zoom the company released last year.
The lens supports the continuous autofocus mode of the X2D II 100C it's launching alongside
It has a stepper motor for autofocus, and supports the continuous autofocus capabilities of the X2D II 100C that it's launching alongside. Its built-in leaf shutter can shoot and sync with flash at up to 1/4000 sec. It has a control ring for changing your aperture setting, along with its zoom and focus rings.
At 894g (31.5oz), the 35-100mm isn't ultra-lightweight, especially if you compare it to the latest-generation full-frame 24-70mm F2.8s from the likes of Sony and Nikon. However, given that it covers a larger image circle and provides depth of field equivalent to a faster lens at the short end (2.2 - 3.2), its weight is surprisingly similar to those companies' first-gen mirrorless standard zooms. It's a similar story when it comes to its physical size, too.
| Weight | Length (retracted) | Diameter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E | 894g | 138mm | 90mm |
| Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 S / II | 805g / 675g | 126mm / 150mm* | 89mm / 90mm |
| Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM / II | 886g / 695g | 136mm / 120mm | 88mm / 88mm |
| Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM | 900g | 126mm | 89mm |
The XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E will retail for $4599 in the US. It will cost around €4800 in Europe, including tax, and £ 4100 in the UK.
* - The Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II features an internal zoom design, rather than the extending one used by the rest of the lenses in this comparison.
Press Release:
XCD 2,8–4/35–100E: A COMPACT STANDARD ZOOM LENS WITH FLAGSHIP PERFORMANCE
The new XCD 2,8–4/35–100E is a versatile standard zoom lens that seamlessly bridges wide-angle to medium telephoto focal lengths. With approximately 3× optical zoom, it delivers a 28–76 mm full-frame equivalent focal length and an aperture range of f/2,8 to f/4. Effectively combining the range of seven Hasselblad prime lenses into one, it excels in capturing sweeping landscapes, intimate portraits, dynamic street photography, and spontaneous travel moments with confidence.
At its widest aperture of f/2,8, the lens delivers exceptional low light performance, while producing smooth, creamy bokeh and distinct background separation.
The “E” in XCD 2,8–4/35–100E stands for “Exclusive” and represents the top-tier optical performance, delivering the same edge-to-edge image quality as Hasselblad’s XCD prime lenses. Its advanced optical design comprises 16 elements in 13 groups, including three aspherical and five ED elements, ensuring sharp resolution and authentic colour that meet the demands of a 100-megapixel sensor.
The XCD 2,8–4/35–100E is powered by the fastest stepping motor in the XCD lens lineup. This compact internal focusing group, paired with optimised control algorithms, enables smooth and accurate autofocus. When paired with the X2D II 100C’s AF-C system, it confidently tracks moving subjects and ensures precise focus in action shots.
The integrated leaf shutter offers full flash synchronisation from 1/4000 second to 68 minutes, allowing photographers to balance fill flash in bright light or shoot wide open without compromise.
Despite its bright aperture and extended zoom range, the lens remains remarkably compact, measuring just 138 mm in length and weighing just 894 grams. It features the highly praised control rings from XCD V Series lenses, allowing quick adjustments to shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, and subject switching. The engraved “H” logos and subtle “V” insignia on the control rings reflect Hasselblad’s commitment to minimalist design and enduring quality, creating a lens that performs as elegantly as it appears.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is priced at $7,399 / €7 200.
The XCD 2,8–4/35–100E lens is priced at $4,599 / €4 800.
The Vandra Backpack is priced at $469 / €429.
The UV 86mm Filter is priced at $299 / €259.
The ND8 86mm Filter is priced at $329 / €289.
The CPL 86mm Filter is priced at $559 / €469.
Please consult your nearest Hasselblad Flagship Store, authorised dealer, or the Hasselblad online store for purchasing details. For more information, visit www.hasselblad.com.
XCD 35-100 F2.8-4 E Specifications:
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | Medium Format (44x33mm) |
| Focal length | 35–100 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Hasselblad X |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8–32 |
| Minimum aperture | F4–32 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 13 |
| Special elements / coatings | 3 asph., 5 extra-low dispersion |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.40 m (15.75″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.25× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 894 g (1.97 lb) |
| Diameter | 90 mm (3.54″) |
| Length | 138 mm (5.43″) |
| Materials | Metal |
| Colour | Black |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | No |
| Filter thread | 86 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
