Hasselblad presents ultra wide-angle zoom lens for medium format cameras
The XCD 3.2-4.5/20-35E from Hasselblad is the first lens in the Exclusive series and is said to offer the highest optical performance.
(Image: Hasselblad)
With the XCD 3.2-4.5/20-35E, the Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad is launching its first ultra-wide-angle zoom lens and also the first lens in the new E series. The designation "E" stands for "Exclusive" and represents the highest optical performance of the XCD lens series. The lens is designed for the company's mirrorless medium format camera and covers a focal length range of 20 to 35 millimeters, which corresponds to a 35 mm equivalent focal length of 16 to 27 mm. The maximum aperture is f/3.2 at the wide-angle end and f/4.5 at the longer end of the zoom range.
According to Hasselblad, the lens is suitable for various applications such as landscape, architecture and interior photography as well as environmental portraits. The manufacturer emphasizes the flexibility of the zoom, which allows the focal length to be changed quickly without changing the lens.
Optical construction and image quality
The optical construction of the XCD 3.2-4.5/20-35E consists of 16 lens elements in twelve groups. These include three aspherical and four ED (extra-low dispersion) elements. Hasselblad claims that this design effectively suppresses aberrations and meets the high resolution requirements of the 100 megapixel sensor.
The manufacturer promises high image quality over the entire zoom range, as well as "amazing clarity from the center to the edges". In addition, the lens is said to produce a soft, pleasing bokeh at the widest focal length of 20 mm and aperture f/3.2.
Autofocus and shutter
(Image: Hasselblad)
For focusing, Hasselblad uses a stepper motor in combination with a gearbox and a lightweight focus lens group. According to the manufacturer, this enables precise and quiet control. With the camera's phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Hasselblad promises fast focusing.
The lens has a central shutter that enables flash synchronization times of up to 1/2000 of a second. This offers photographers more flexibility when working with flash under different lighting conditions.
The body of the XCD 3.2-4.5/20-35E is made of metal. Hasselblad describes the design as "elegant and streamlined". The "H" logo is engraved on both the focus ring and the zoom ring.
The XCD 3.2-4.5/20-35E is now available online and in selected specialist stores for 6,730 euros.
(tho)
