Review XCD 3.2-4.5/20-35E: Hasselblad’s ultra-wide-angle zoom lens

Hasselblad has announced the release of its brand new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E. This is one of the few wide-angle zooms in the XCD range, Hasselblad’s range of lenses compatible with their X system and 907x cameras.

It is also the first Hasselblad lens to bear the letter E for “Exclusive”. Hasselblad promises the best optical quality with the new XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E.

In this article, we’ll find out if the new XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E really deserves its “Exclusive” label, by exploring its main technical features, its design and all its new features.

1. The new XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E: an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens

The XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E offers a focal range equivalent to 16-27mm in full format. This new lens is not only Hasselblad’s first XCD ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, but also the widest lens for the brand’s medium-format cameras.

The lens is composed of 16 elements in 12 groups, including three aspherical elements, offering a wide field of view combined with the largest aperture available in Hasselblad’s medium-format system. It is designed to meet the high-resolution requirements of a 100-megapixel sensor, such as the X2D 100C.

The new XCD 20-35mm is recommended for landscape photography (natural or urban), architectural photography of large interior spaces and portraits.

2. Stepping motor

The lens is equipped with a stepper motor with a focusing mechanism to control a lightweight, compact lens group.

With this mechanism, Hasselblad aims to offer fast, precise autofocus performance. Autofocus performance is even better when used with a Hasselblad camera featuring phase-detection autofocus, such as the X2D 100C.

Stepping motors are often smooth, but can sometimes be a little slow. This is a common remark made about Hasselblad lenses and even its bodies, where focusing is not always fast enough.

In the case of the XCD 20-35mm, the focusing speed is adequate for landscape or studio photography, for which it is primarily designed. However, in situations where subjects are in motion, such as at concerts or on the street, it may be a little less effective.

3. Lens with central shutter

Like Hasselblad’s other XCD lenses, the XCD 20-35mm is equipped with a central shutter.

The central shutter system distinguishes the Hasselblad system from its major competitor in the medium-format world, Fujifilm’s GFX series.

Thanks to its central shutter, the XCD 20-35mm can synchronize with flash at all shutter speeds, up to 1/2,000 s.

4. Image quality

The XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E lets you take pictures with a shallow depth of field thanks to its relatively fast aperture, and offers a beautiful bokeh effect.

The lens can focus at a minimum distance of 0.32 meters, which is relatively close for an ultra-wide-angle lens. Closer focusing is optimal at 35 mm, for fairly detailed shots, but be warned, this is not a macro lens.

This lens stands out for its great sharpness, capable of taking full advantage of Hasselblad cameras’ 100-megapixel sensors. Whether at 20 mm or 35 mm, the center of images remains exceptionally sharp and contrasted, even at maximum apertures.

Corner sharpness is equally satisfactory, with only a slight softness in the extreme corners at full aperture. By closing the aperture, minor vignetting disappears and corners become even sharper. This lens is perfectly suited to taking detailed landscape shots, offering good flatness and even focus in the corners.

5. Design true to the Hasselblad touch

As with all Hasselblad lenses and cameras, this new lens features an elegant, minimalist design.

It resembles the other lenses in the XCD range, including Hasselblad’s classic “H” texture for the zoom and focus ring.

The metal zoom is solid, lightweight and very well built, as is customary with Hasselblad. It weighs just 805 grams and measures 11.7 cm in length and 8.1 cm in diameter. To give you an idea, it’s close to the dimensions of the XCD 2.5/25V.

Its compact dimensions for a medium-format zoom make it easy to carry around.

One minor drawback of the lens is the lack of additional controls or buttons, particularly for manual focusing, either in the form of a switch or a push/pull system. Moreover, an additional control ring would be handy, for example to adjust aperture or exposure.

6. Price and availability

The XCD 20-35mm is now available in stores and online for 6729€.

Although the price may deter some buyers, the optical quality of the 20-35mm lens justifies the investment, as it can replace three fixed lenses while offering equivalent image quality.

You can order your XCD 20-35mm now from 50.8 Shop.

7. XCD 20-35mm technical specifications

Is the XCD 20-35mm F/3.2-4.5 E worth buying?

The XCD 20-35mm is a particularly interesting zoom lens. The lens is ideal for photographers looking for versatility and precision.

Covering a focal range that enables them to capture vast scenes, whether natural landscapes, dynamic urban perspectives or interiors of sometimes complex proportions. Thanks to its ultra-wide-angle coverage, it is also ideal for environmental portraits, where the subject blends perfectly into its context.

With this new lens, Hasselblad remains true to its heritage of elegant, compact design, which contributes to its reputation and sets it apart from the competition.

Although the price may seem high, buying this Hasselblad lens makes sense for photographers looking for exceptional image quality and versatility, as it covers a wide focal range while offering optical performance.