XCD 3.4/75P: Review of new Hasselblad lens for medium format hybrids

The Hasselblad XCD series lenses are designed to adapt to the high resolution of medium format hybrid cameras, like the X2D 100C from the Hasselblad X system.

Hasselblad now offers the longest and fastest lens in the “P” range, the XCD 3.4/75P.

The new XCD 3.4/75P is primarily aimed at portrait and street photographers. Hasselblad aims to make it the only lens a photographer needs.

With the announcement of the new XCD 3.4/75P, Hasselblad also announced the release of a 9mm X extension tube.

Discover in this article what to expect from the new XCD 3.4/75P and the X 9mm Extension Tube. We review the features of these new products from the premium medium format brand.

1. Main Features of the Hasselblad XCD 3.4/75P

The XCD 3.4/75P is a light and compact portrait lens that combines advanced optical design, a linear autofocus module, and an integrated central shutter.
With its advanced optical structure, consisting of 10 elements in 10 groups, including an aspherical element, it offers a soft and natural bokeh, ideal for portraits.

The third model in the “P” series (for “portable”), after the XCD 4/28P and 4/45P, it stands out for its compactness while meeting the high-resolution demands of a 100-megapixel sensor. However, despite being relatively small, the XCD 3.4/75P is still bulkier than the other lenses in the series, often compared to the pancake optics of the XCD mount.

As mentioned, it is compatible with medium format cameras from the X system, as well as the 907X model.

According to Hasselblad, it is the new ideal lens for portrait and street photography, thanks to its impressive optical precision, but also its lightweight design, which makes it easy to handle and transport.

2. Lightweight and compact “P” lens

The Hasselblad 75mm lens, as indicated by its name, is part of the “P” series, which stands for “portable.” Its compact design offers photographers greater versatility and a dynamic workflow.

The XCD 3.4/75P is lightweight and compact, though its 75mm focal length places it in the category of standard medium telephoto lenses.

3. A versatile focal length

The XCD 3.4/75P sits between a standard 50mm and a telephoto lens.

While 50mm lenses are often considered versatile lenses, ideal for portraits, landscapes, or everyday shots, the telephoto lens allows photographers to capture distant subjects and create a compression effect, where the background appears blurrier and “closer” to the subject.

It offers flexibility for various photo types and compositions.

The XCD 3.4/75P is ideal for emphasizing a subject, like a portrait, by drawing all attention to it while maintaining a soft, slightly blurred background. What sets it apart is the clear separation between subject and background, without completely erasing the background, like a long-focal-length telephoto would.

It is the perfect balance for capturing photos where the subject is highlighted while preserving a pleasant atmosphere around it.

4. Natural Bokeh effect

The XCD 3.4/75P, with its optical design and large maximum aperture of f/3.4, creates a natural bokeh effect.

The lens enhances low-light portraits and street photography by capturing details even in dark areas.

The bokeh effect is highly sought after by portrait photographers because it flatters the subject, making it an ideal choice for portrait photography.

Notably, this new lens features the longest focal length and the widest aperture in the “P” series.

5. Powerful optical performance

The XCD 3.4/75P meets the demands of a 100 MP sensor. Its optical structure includes 10 elements in 10 groups, with one aspherical element and three ED elements, ensuring minimal chromatic aberrations and dispersion.

Hasselblad explains that this design is optimized for the 100 MP sensors of Hasselblad bodies, promising ultra-sharp images with vibrant colors and impressive contrast from center to edge.

6. Silent and subtle central shutter

The XCD 3.4/75P, like all Hasselblad XCD lenses, features a central shutter.

The shutter on this new lens has been optimized to operate with minimal vibration and noise. The silence of the system is an advantage, particularly for street photography, where the photographer wants to have an unobtrusive presence.

It supports shutter speeds of up to 1/2000 s and enables flash synchronization at all speeds. You can use long exposures for art and night photography, or ultra-short exposures for fast-moving subjects.

With all-speed flash synchronization, you can use the flash to darken the background while illuminating the subject, and create a composition even in bright sunlight.

7. New Extension Tube X 9mm

Hasselblad has also launched a 9mm X Extension Tube. This photo accessory increases lens magnification, allowing the photographer to get closer to the subject.

The 9mm X Extension Tube can be used individually or stacked for greater versatility.

Note that the Hasselblad extension tube may seem small compared with models from other brands, but it’s important to remember that the XCD 3.4/75P lens is designed for street, portrait and documentary photography, not macro photography.

However, this tube still enables you to get closer to a detail or an expression, offering greater proximity and precision in your images.

8. XCD 3.4/75P Technical Specifications

9. Price and availability

The Hasselblad XCD 3.4/75P is available for 2529€. You can (pre)order it now on 50.8 Shop.

The Extension Tube is available for 339€. (Pre)order it now.

10. Is the new XCD 3.4/75P a good choice for photographers?

Hasselblad’s new XCD 3.4/75 P is ideal for portraits and street photography, but it’s still versatile for all kinds of situations where you want to make a subject stand out while incorporating a lively background.

Whether for full- or half-body portraits, street photography, nature, events or travel, the XCD 3.4/75P fits the bill perfectly.

Medium-format cameras have long been synonymous with weight, size and complexity, often limited to studio use.

Hasselblad is trying to change this by offering photographers lightweight, compact and ergonomic lenses, while guaranteeing exceptional optical quality, adapted to a 100-megapixel sensor, as is the case with the new XCD 3.4/75P.