Hasselblad simply introduced the followup to their medium format X2D digicam, the X2D II 100C. The brand new digicam is an enchancment in some ways, most notably the addition of steady autofocus (AF-C) and the cheaper price. Hasselblad additionally introduced a high-end 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E lens at an sudden value. Right here’s what it is best to know!
Hasselblad X2D II Enhancements
The most important addition to the Hasselblad X2D II is steady autofocus. The AF system on the earlier X2D was its largest weak spot – very correct and acceptably quick, however single-servo autofocus solely. Now that the digicam can focus constantly, it opens up much more genres and topics to that stunning 100-megapixel, 16-bit sensor.
Talking of the sensor, the picture high quality of the brand new digicam ought to be corresponding to the earlier technology (in different phrases, greatest in school) with one small exception: the bottom ISO has been lowered from 64 to 50. Hasselblad specified 15 stops of dynamic vary on the unique X2D and now specifies 15.3 stops on the X2D II, so whereas the distinction could also be small, it may very well be seen on the margins.
Maybe a extra substantial change is the newer in-body picture stabilization system. That was already a energy of the X2D, however Hasselblad has now boosted its efficiency considerably. The X2D’s IBIS is rated for 7 stops of stabilization, whereas the X2D II’s is rated for 10 stops! We usually discover that digicam corporations’ IBIS rankings are very optimistic, and I doubt you’ll see a full 10 stops in apply. However it is best to see some clear enhancements in comparison with the X2D, possible within the vary of 1 to 2 stops in real-world pictures.
Personally, there’s a change I’m much more enthusiastic about: The tilting LCD is now not blocked by the viewfinder! This was an issue on the earlier X2D and made it robust to see the entire composition when tilting the display upward too far. Now, the LCD can pull outward earlier than tilting, fixing the problem. The X2D II’s new mechanism additionally tilts farther in each instructions: a most of 43° downward and 90° upward, in comparison with simply 70° upward on the X2D. All in all, it ought to be far more usable this manner.
I’m additionally actually trying ahead to the brand new joystick on the X2D II for choosing the main focus level. On the X2D, I received fairly bored with utilizing the touchscreen on a regular basis (I’m not a touchscreen-on-my-cameras man) and particularly in chilly climate whereas sporting gloves. The joystick is a way more ergonomic resolution, in my view, significantly now that the digicam can be able to steady autofocus.
There are just a few different enhancements right here and there – Hasselblad actually touts the brand new end-to-end HDR coloration assist, although it’s a JPEG- and HEIF-only characteristic – however the very last thing that stands out to me is the value. The earlier technology X2D prices $8199, whereas the brand new X2D II prices $7399! It’s fairly unusual for digicam corporations to decrease the value of a new-and-improved mannequin nowadays, so I severely commend Hasselblad for doing that right here. I’m not a fortune teller and don’t know if the $7399 value will final within the face of tariffs, however hopefully it’s going to. As for the value in Euros, it’s now €7200 – an much more spectacular discount contemplating X2D’s price of €8699.
Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E
Alongside the brand new digicam, Hasselblad has additionally launched an attention-grabbing new zoom lens. The 35-100mm f/2.8-4 has a full-frame equal focal size of 28-75mm (and an equal aperture of f/2.1-3), and it joins the Hasselblad XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E as the corporate’s second “E” zoom. This designation (which stands for “unique”) is supposed to point best-in-class picture high quality, and the 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E was certainly among the many sharpest zoom lenses that I’ve ever examined.
The 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E additionally fixes two of my complaints with the 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E: its older leaf shutter with a 1/2000-second restrict, and its lack of a customizable management ring. This new lens has Hasselblad’s extra superior 1/4000-second leaf shutter and provides a management ring as properly, alongside the same old zoom and focus rings. I want they’d added a guide focus swap as properly, however it’s good to see Hasselblad listening to their clients and making these different two enhancements.
Talking of enhancements, I used to be shocked to see that the brand new 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E is definitely shorter and lighter than the Hasselblad 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5, regardless of the longer focal size and brighter most aperture! It’s a big distinction of 894 grams versus 1115 grams. I used the 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 extensively in Chile earlier this 12 months (and posted the lab outcomes outcomes right here on our Member Web page already), and I discovered its weight to be a bit of on the excessive aspect. It wasn’t too heavy, however something extra could be tough for a midrange zoom.
And maybe the largest shock of all is the value. The 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E is launching at a value of $4599, which after all continues to be excessive for a midrange zoom, however is severely low for a Hasselblad. By comparability, the Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 sells for $5175, and the XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E sells for $5929.
Contemplating all that, this new lens appears to be like very thrilling. I feel it’s going to turn out to be the brand new go-to lens for a ton of Hasselblad shooters, and I can’t wait to check a duplicate!
Pre-Order Hyperlinks
You possibly can pre-order the Hasselblad X2D II and XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E on the hyperlinks under:
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Press Launch
HASSELBLAD INTRODUCES 100MP HDR FLAGSHIP MEDIUM FORMAT CAMERA AND STANDARD ZOOM LENS: X2D II 100C AND XCD 2,8–4/35–100E
Powered by AF-C steady autofocus, Hasselblad Pure Color Resolution with Excessive Dynamic Vary, 10-stop stabilisation, and Phocus Cell 2, the X2D II 100C delivers unmatched artistic management in a compact, highly effective system.
Following the groundbreaking success of the X2D 100C, Hasselblad at this time releases the X2D II 100C, the {industry}’s first 100-megapixel medium format digicam with true end-to-end excessive dynamic vary (HDR)[1]. With AF-C steady autofocus[2], Hasselblad Pure Color Resolution with Excessive Dynamic Vary (HNCS HDR), and industry-leading 10-stop in-body picture stabilisation, the brand new digicam delivers much more true-to-life color, sooner focusing efficiency, and better hand-held management. Mixed with Phocus Cell 2, it affords a seamless workflow and expands artistic potentialities throughout panorama, portrait, avenue, and journey images.
Launching alongside the X2D II 100C is the XCD 2,8–4/35–100E, a wide-angle to medium telephoto zoom lens that covers probably the most generally used focal lengths. With a large f/2,8 aperture and flagship optics designed for top-tier efficiency, it excels in low-light situations and delivers the quickest focusing pace within the Hasselblad XCD lens lineup.
HASSELBLAD X2D II 100C: BRILLIANCE AT EVERY MOMENT
For the primary time on a Hasselblad digicam, the X2D II 100C introduces AF-C steady autofocus. Powered by deep studying algorithms, the system delivers dependable efficiency, precisely detecting and monitoring shifting topics. Section Detection Autofocus (PDAF) protection has been expanded from 294 to 425 zones and works along with LiDAR-assisted focusing to make sure quick and correct outcomes. A brand new AF illuminator additional improves autofocus efficiency in low-light situations and likewise serves as a self-timer indicator. Collectively, these enhancements give customers a sooner, extra responsive focusing system for capturing brilliance at each second.
The X2D II 100C is the primary medium format digicam to assist true end-to-end HDR[1]. HNCS HDR harnesses excessive dynamic vary to raise Hasselblad’s signature pure colors to new ranges of brilliance. Even in harsh lighting, it successfully reduces overexposure, enhances spotlight retention, and divulges better tonal depth, leading to richly detailed HDR photographs that replicate what the eyes naturally see. HDR photographs are processed in-camera as HDR HEIF or Extremely HDR JPEG and might be immediately reviewed on the brand new 3,6-inch OLED touchscreen at as much as 1 400-nit peak brightness — 75 p.c brighter than the X2D 100C — delivering vivid, true-to-life readability. With Phocus Cell 2, customers can edit HDR photographs and apply HNCS HDR processing to RAW information. When shared on HDR-capable platforms, these photographs showcase the complete brilliance of HNCS HDR, revealing colors and tones with unprecedented constancy.
The X2D II 100C’s enhanced 100-megapixel medium format BSI CMOS sensor embodies Hasselblad’s dedication to uncompromising picture high quality. With 16-bit color depth delivering roughly 281 trillion colors, it captures the refined gradations that convey {a photograph} to life. A brand new native ISO of fifty and an elevated dynamic vary of 15,3 stops present exact management from the deepest shadows to the brightest highlights.
The sensor’s extraordinary decision calls for equally extraordinary stabilisation. To attain this, Hasselblad engineers adopted probably the most stringent calibration protocols, leading to a 5-axis, 10-stop in-body stabilisation system that delivers as much as eight occasions the soundness of the X2D 100C when capturing distant topics. Customers can now seize hand-held lengthy exposures lasting a number of seconds with no tripod, unlocking new artistic potentialities.
With Phocus Cell 2, the Hasselblad workflow achieves a brand new stage of portability, permitting customers to edit on the go whereas staying absolutely immersed of their artistic course of. Out there on iOS gadgets[3], the app seamlessly connects to Hasselblad X and V system cameras[4] for wi-fi picture switch, and likewise permits for distant management with a dwell view, firmware updates, and even waking the digicam when powered off. It affords a spread of enhancing instruments, together with HDR picture enhancing and Hasselblad Pure Noise Discount (HNNR), an AI-powered characteristic that reduces noise in RAW information with out affecting particulars or Hasselblad’s signature colors.
The X2D II 100C retains the outstanding storage capabilities of its predecessor, that includes 1TB of inner SSD storage instantly on the digicam. With an added CFexpress Kind B slot, customers can shoot with confidence, free from considerations about storage limitations or the necessity for extra reminiscence playing cards.
Designed to be much more compact, the X2D II 100C weighs 7,5 p.c lower than the X2D 100C for improved dealing with consolation. Crafted by way of a sophisticated ending course of, the brand new graphite gray matte coating affords distinctive sturdiness and a refined, refined texture, whereas the black nameplate provides a contact of distinction. The signature ergonomic grip has additionally been redesigned with a textured floor to reinforce consolation and management throughout prolonged shoots.
The three,6-inch OLED display tilts 90° upward and round 43° downward, and pulls out whereas staying away from the digital viewfinder (EVF), making it simpler to compose and seize pictures from excessive and low angles. A newly added 5D joystick permits swift focus level choice and intuitive menu navigation with out touching the display. With eight customisable buttons, the digicam affords better flexibility and a extra personalised management expertise.
XCD 2,8–4/35–100E: A COMPACT STANDARD ZOOM LENS WITH FLAGSHIP PERFORMANCE
The brand new XCD 2,8–4/35–100E is a flexible normal zoom lens that seamlessly bridges wide-angle to medium telephoto focal lengths. With roughly 3× optical zoom, it delivers a 28–76 mm full-frame equal focal size and an aperture vary of f/2,8 to f/4. Successfully combining the vary of seven Hasselblad prime lenses into one, it excels in capturing sweeping landscapes, intimate portraits, dynamic avenue images, and spontaneous journey moments with confidence.
At its widest aperture of f/2,8, the lens delivers distinctive low gentle efficiency, whereas producing easy, creamy bokeh and distinct background separation.
The “E” in XCD 2,8–4/35–100E stands for “Unique” and represents the top-tier optical efficiency, delivering the identical edge-to-edge picture high quality as Hasselblad’s XCD prime lenses. Its superior optical design includes 16 components in 13 teams, together with three aspherical and 5 ED components, guaranteeing sharp decision and genuine color that meet the calls for of a 100-megapixel sensor.
The XCD 2,8–4/35–100E is powered by the quickest stepping motor within the XCD lens lineup. This compact inner focusing group, paired with optimised management algorithms, permits easy and correct autofocus. When paired with the X2D II 100C’s AF-C system, it confidently tracks shifting topics and ensures exact focus in motion pictures.
The built-in leaf shutter affords full flash synchronisation from 1/4000 second to 68 minutes, permitting photographers to steadiness fill flash in shiny gentle or shoot huge open with out compromise.
Regardless of its shiny aperture and prolonged zoom vary, the lens stays remarkably compact, measuring simply 138 mm in size and weighing simply 894 grams. It options the extremely praised management rings from XCD V Collection lenses, permitting fast changes to shutter pace, aperture, ISO, publicity compensation, and topic switching. The engraved “H” logos and refined “V” insignia on the management rings replicate Hasselblad’s dedication to minimalist design and enduring high quality, making a lens that performs as elegantly because it seems.
VANDRA BACKPACK AND FILTERS FOR HASSELBLAD CREATORS
Impressed by Sweden’s Freedom to Roam, the Vandra Digicam Backpack blends performance and elegance. With about 20-litre capability, it may simply maintain a Hasselblad physique, two lenses, and equipment.
Hasselblad additionally introduces three new 86 mm UV, ND8, and CPL filters, all absolutely suitable with the XCD 2,8–4/35–100E.
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 seek the advice of your nearest Hasselblad Flagship Retailer, authorised supplier, or the Hasselblad on-line retailer for buying particulars. For extra data, go to www.hasselblad.com.
1, As of 25 August 2025. HDR is just not supported in some conditions. Discuss with the FAQ web page for extra particulars.
2, Requires a suitable XCD lens with upgraded firmware. Discuss with the FAQ web page for extra particulars. Not accessible with digital shutter.
3, Requires a suitable iPhone or iPad gadget. Discuss with the FAQ web page for extra particulars.
4, Suitable with sure fashions. Discuss with official web site.