Hasselblad XCD 2,5/25V lens review
Posted on Aug 7, 2024
Hasselblad’s XCD 2,5/25V is a wide-angle, wide aperture prime that promises great low-light results. We put it to the test
Photography is a subjective pastime. Everyone has an opinion on mostly everything, but few would argue against Hasselblad’s design and build quality.
Having said that, the same proportion would agree that you should never judge a book by its cover, so let’s see whether the Hasselblad XCD 2,5/25V lives up to its looks (and its £3,559 price tag).
What is the XCD 2,5/25V lens?
The XCD 2,5/25V is a wide-angle prime lens for the Hasselblad X Mount, with a fast maximum aperture of f/2.5.
This lens joins the XCD V series as the widest in the lineup with a full frame equivalent focal length of 20mm and a brand-new leaf shutter that enables flash sync up to 1/4000 sec.
When such a wide focal length is combined with a bright maximum aperture of f/2.5 and Hasselblad’s 100MP medium format sensor, you have all the makings of a great night, astro and interior photography lens.
Hasselblad XCD 2,5/25V lens | Image: Hasselblad
Hasselblad XCD 2,5/25V lens attached to X2D 100C camera | Image: Hasselblad
In the box: Hasselblad XCD 2,5/25V | Image: Hasselblad
XCD 2,5/25V features
The XCD 2,5/25V follows in the sleek and sophisticated footsteps of its V series siblings. Its solid, metal body feels reassuringly cool in hand and the smooth focus ring snaps softly, but assuredly forward to seamlessly enter manual focus, revealing an etched focus scale in the process.
Like other V series lenses, it features a control ring which can be programmed to adjust a number of different settings. The obvious choice is aperture, and with the inclusion of a swich that changes between clicked and smooth operation, Hasselblad is clearly keeping videographers in mind.
This optic has been designed to possess enough resolving power to complement 100MP sensors, so I paired it up with the X2D 100C body and the setup felt good in hand when out and about.
A big part of these lenses being dubbed ‘V’ for versatile is that they are compact and lightweight and the XCD 2,5/25V upholds that promise, weighing in at a highly respectable 592g. This made an overall weight of just under 1.5kg, which, for a high-resolution medium format setup, is very comfortable indeed.
Taken with Hasselblad XCD 2,5/25V lens and X2D 100C camera. Edited to taste in Lightroom | Image: Photography News
Taken with Hasselblad XCD 2,5/25V lens and X2D 100C camera. Edited to taste in Lightroom | Image: Photography News
The lens is constructed of 13 elements in ten groups, including four aspherical elements and three ED elements, which are all designed to minimise chromatic aberration and distortion.
This was clear in the results, which revealed excellent optical performance overall with great contrast and clarity.
The linear stepping motor helped in this regard when using autofocus. It was accurate and fast for a medium format lens, if a little on the noisy side.
Sharpness was also great across the frame throughout the aperture range and there was no evidence of coma when using the lens for astrophotography.
XCD 2,5/25V verdict
All in all, I feel the XCD 2,5/25V is another example of how far medium format photography has come in a relatively short period of time. What minor bugbears I did encounter are a small price to pay for all the positives.
The power and ability this lens offers in such a small package is astonishing and its high-quality build makes it a pleasure to use.
Should you buy it? Absolutely. Can you afford it? Probably not.
XCD 2,5/25V review summary
The Hasselblad XCD 2,5/25V is built for a purpose and it does that with style. With a wide angle of view, bright aperture and high resolving power, this lens is a great fit for nightscape, astro and interior photography.
Pros: Sharp, fast, wide, lightweight and weather resistant
Cons: Minimal barrel distortion and AF could be faster/quieter
XCD 2,5/25V specs
Price: £3,599
In the box: Lens, lens hood, front and rear lens caps, protective pouch
Construction: 13 elements in ten groups
Special elements: Four aspherical and three ED
Full frame equivalent focal length: 20mm
Aperture range: f/2.5-32
Min. focus: 25cm
Max. magnification: 0.17x
Filter size: 72mm
Dimensions (dxl): 75x105mm
Weight: 592g
Contact: hasselblad.com
