Hasselblad has released a new lens for its X system and 907x medium format cameras. The company describes the XCD 90mm f/2.5 V prime lens as ideal for close-up portraits or still life photos.
What is medium format?
Medium format cameras have a sensor that is larger than a full-frame camera. Full-frame digital camera sensors are based on the size of a frame of 35 mm still photography film. However, medium format camera sensors were originally based on the larger 120 mm film format. As larger sensors have more megapixels, they, therefore, take images with higher image quality. Medium format cameras are often used by landscape or fine art photographers.
90 mm prime lens
The medium format Hasselblad X system cameras have a crop factor of 0.79 compared to full frame. This means that the 90mm f/2.5 V prime lens has a field of view equivalent to a full-frame 71 mm focal length. As such, the 90mm lens is classed as a moderate telephoto lens for medium format cameras.
Wide maximum aperture
The Hasselblad XCD 90mm V prime lens has a wide maximum aperture of f/2.5. Combined with the lens’s focal length, Hasselblad says this creates a beautiful soft bokeh effect that highlights the subject. The 90mm V prime lens also has an upgraded large aperture leaf shutter which is fast and quiet. In addition, the leaf shutter blades can also create Hasselblad’s hallmark eight-point starburst effect on bright light sources.
Optical construction
The Hasselblad XCD 90mm V prime lens features nine lens elements in six groups. These include one ED (extra-low dispersion) element and one specially made large-diameter aspherical element. The lens is also constructed to be compact while delivering an apochromatic effect for accurate color correction. In addition, the 90mm V prime lens uses an internal focusing mechanism, so the length doesn’t change as you pull focus.
Upgraded autofocus
This new lens features an upgraded focusing module. This uses a linear stepping motor and a lighter, smaller focusing lens group. Hasselblad says that changes deliver fast, flexible and accurate focusing. The lens can also focus as close as 26.4 inches (0.67 meters). In addition, to move between autofocus and manual focus, you simply push or pull the focus ring.
Other features
In addition to the focus ring, the Hasselblad XCD 90mm V prime lens also features a control ring. You can customize the control ring to quickly access your preferred function. The lens weighs 19.4 ounces (551 g) and has a 72 mm filter thread.
What we think
The Hasselblad XCD 90mm V prime lens is a premium lens with a price to match. However, the ultra-high resolution of medium format cameras demand lenses which can deliver the highest quality images. The sample images from the shared by Hasselblad are simply stunning. If you use a compatible medium format camera, the XCD 90mm V prime lens is a beautiful lens to have in your camera bag.
Pricing and availability
The Hasselblad XCD 90mm V prime lens retails at $4,299.
