Hasselblad just announced the followup to their medium format X2D camera, the X2D II 100C. The new camera is an improvement in many ways, most notably the addition of continuous autofocus (AF-C) and the lower price. Hasselblad also announced a high-end 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E lens at an unexpected price. Here’s what you should know!
Hasselblad X2D II Improvements
The biggest addition to the Hasselblad X2D II is continuous autofocus. The AF system on the previous X2D was its biggest weakness – very accurate and acceptably fast, but single-servo autofocus only. Now that the camera can focus continuously, it opens up a lot more genres and subjects to that beautiful 100-megapixel, 16-bit sensor.
Speaking of the sensor, the image quality of the new camera should be comparable to the previous generation (in other words, best in class) with one small exception: the base ISO has been lowered from 64 to 50. Hasselblad specified 15 stops of dynamic range on the original X2D and now specifies 15.3 stops on the X2D II, so while the difference may be small, it could be visible at the margins.
Perhaps a more substantial change is the newer in-body image stabilization system. That was already a strength of the X2D, but Hasselblad has now boosted its performance significantly. The X2D’s IBIS is rated for 7 stops of stabilization, while the X2D II’s is rated for 10 stops! We generally find that camera companies’ IBIS ratings are very optimistic, and I doubt you’ll see a full 10 stops in practice. But you should see some clear improvements compared to the X2D, likely in the range of 1 to 2 stops in real-world shots.
Personally, there’s a change I’m even more excited about: The tilting LCD is no longer blocked by the viewfinder! This was a problem on the previous X2D and made it tough to see the whole composition when tilting the screen upward too far. Now, the LCD can pull outward before tilting, solving the issue. The X2D II’s new mechanism also tilts farther in both directions: a maximum of 43° downward and 90° upward, compared to just 70° upward on the X2D. All in all, it should be much more usable this way.
I’m also really looking forward to the new joystick on the X2D II for selecting the focus point. On the X2D, I got pretty tired of using the touchscreen all the time (I’m not a touchscreen-on-my-cameras guy) and especially in cold weather while wearing gloves. The joystick is a much more ergonomic solution, in my opinion, particularly now that the camera is also capable of continuous autofocus.
There are a few other improvements here and there – Hasselblad really touts the new end-to-end HDR color support, though it’s a JPEG- and HEIF-only feature – but the last thing that stands out to me is the price. The previous generation X2D costs $8199, while the new X2D II costs $7399! It’s pretty uncommon for camera companies to lower the price of a new-and-improved model these days, so I seriously commend Hasselblad for doing that here. I’m not a fortune teller and have no idea if the $7399 price will last in the face of tariffs, but hopefully it will. As for the price in Euros, it’s now €7200 – an even more impressive reduction considering X2D’s cost of €8699.
Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E
Alongside the new camera, Hasselblad has also introduced an interesting new zoom lens. The 35-100mm f/2.8-4 has a full-frame equivalent focal length of 28-75mm (and an equivalent aperture of f/2.1-3), and it joins the Hasselblad XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E as the company’s second “E” zoom. This designation (which stands for “exclusive”) is meant to indicate best-in-class image quality, and the 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E was indeed among the sharpest zoom lenses that I’ve ever tested.
The 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E also fixes two of my complaints with the 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E: its older leaf shutter with a 1/2000-second limit, and its lack of a customizable control ring. This new lens has Hasselblad’s more advanced 1/4000-second leaf shutter and adds a control ring as well, alongside the usual zoom and focus rings. I wish they had added a manual focus switch as well, but it’s good to see Hasselblad listening to their customers and making those other two improvements.
Speaking of improvements, I was surprised to see that the new 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E is actually shorter and lighter than the Hasselblad 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5, despite the longer focal length and brighter maximum aperture! It’s a significant difference of 894 grams versus 1115 grams. I used the 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 extensively in Chile earlier this year (and posted the lab results results here on our Member Page already), and I found its weight to be a little on the high side. It wasn’t too heavy, but anything more would be rough for a midrange zoom.
And perhaps the biggest surprise of all is the price. The 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E is launching at a price of $4599, which of course is still high for a midrange zoom, but is seriously low for a Hasselblad. By comparison, 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.
Considering all that, this new lens looks very exciting. I think it will become the new go-to lens for a ton of Hasselblad shooters, and I can’t wait to test a copy!
Pre-Order Links
You can pre-order the Hasselblad X2D II and XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E at the links below:
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Press Release
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 continuous autofocus, Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with High Dynamic Range, 10-stop stabilisation, and Phocus Mobile 2, the X2D II 100C delivers unmatched creative control in a compact, powerful system.
Following the groundbreaking success of the X2D 100C, Hasselblad today releases the X2D II 100C, the industry’s first 100-megapixel medium format camera with true end-to-end high dynamic range (HDR)(1). With AF-C continuous autofocus(2), Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with High Dynamic Range (HNCS HDR), and industry-leading 10-stop in-body image stabilisation, the new camera delivers even more true-to-life colour, faster focusing performance, and greater hand-held control. Combined with Phocus Mobile 2, it offers a seamless workflow and expands creative possibilities across landscape, portrait, street, and travel photography.
Launching alongside the X2D II 100C is the XCD 2,8–4/35–100E, a wide-angle to medium telephoto zoom lens that covers the most commonly used focal lengths. With a wide f/2,8 aperture and flagship optics designed for top-tier performance, it excels in low-light conditions and delivers the fastest focusing speed in the Hasselblad XCD lens lineup.
HASSELBLAD X2D II 100C: BRILLIANCE AT EVERY MOMENT
For the first time on a Hasselblad camera, the X2D II 100C introduces AF-C continuous autofocus. Powered by deep learning algorithms, the system delivers reliable performance, accurately detecting and tracking moving subjects. Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) coverage has been expanded from 294 to 425 zones and works together with LiDAR-assisted focusing to ensure fast and accurate results. A new AF illuminator further improves autofocus performance in low-light conditions and also serves as a self-timer indicator. Together, these enhancements give users a faster, more responsive focusing system for capturing brilliance at every moment.
The X2D II 100C is the first medium format camera to support true end-to-end HDR(1). HNCS HDR harnesses high dynamic range to elevate Hasselblad’s signature natural colours to new levels of brilliance. Even in harsh lighting, it effectively reduces overexposure, enhances highlight retention, and reveals greater tonal depth, resulting in richly detailed HDR images that reflect what the eyes naturally see. HDR images are processed in-camera as HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG and can be instantly reviewed on the new 3,6-inch OLED touchscreen at up to 1 400-nit peak brightness — 75 percent brighter than the X2D 100C — delivering vivid, true-to-life clarity. With Phocus Mobile 2, users can edit HDR images and apply HNCS HDR processing to RAW files. When shared on HDR-capable platforms, these images showcase the full brilliance of HNCS HDR, revealing colours and tones with unprecedented fidelity.
The X2D II 100C’s enhanced 100-megapixel medium format BSI CMOS sensor embodies Hasselblad’s commitment to uncompromising image quality. With 16-bit colour depth delivering approximately 281 trillion colours, it captures the subtle gradations that bring a photograph to life. A new native ISO of 50 and an increased dynamic range of 15,3 stops provide precise control from the deepest shadows to the brightest highlights.
The sensor’s extraordinary resolution demands equally extraordinary stabilisation. To achieve this, Hasselblad engineers followed the most stringent calibration protocols, resulting in a 5-axis, 10-stop in-body stabilisation system that delivers up to eight times the stability of the X2D 100C when capturing distant subjects. Users can now capture hand-held long exposures lasting several seconds without a tripod, unlocking new creative possibilities.
With Phocus Mobile 2, the Hasselblad workflow achieves a new level of portability, allowing users to edit on the go while staying fully immersed in their creative process. Available on iOS devices(3), the app seamlessly connects to Hasselblad X and V system cameras(4) for wireless image transfer, and also allows for remote control with a live view, firmware updates, and even waking the camera when powered off. It offers a range of editing tools, including HDR image editing and Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR), an AI-powered feature that reduces noise in RAW files without affecting details or Hasselblad’s signature colours.
The X2D II 100C retains the remarkable storage capabilities of its predecessor, featuring 1TB of internal SSD storage directly on the camera. With an added CFexpress Type B slot, users can shoot with confidence, free from concerns about storage limitations or the need for additional memory cards.
Designed to be even more compact, the X2D II 100C weighs 7,5 percent less than the X2D 100C for improved handling comfort. Crafted through an advanced finishing process, the new graphite grey matte coating offers exceptional durability and a refined, subtle texture, while the black nameplate adds a touch of distinction. The signature ergonomic grip has also been redesigned with a textured surface to enhance comfort and control during extended shoots.
The 3,6-inch OLED screen tilts 90° upward and around 43° downward, and pulls out while staying clear of the electronic viewfinder (EVF), making it easier to compose and capture shots from high and low angles. A newly added 5D joystick enables swift focus point selection and intuitive menu navigation without touching the screen. With eight customisable buttons, the camera offers greater flexibility and a more personalised control experience.
XCD 2,8–4/35–100E: A COMPACT STANDARD ZOOM LENS WITH FLAGSHIP PERFORMANCE
The new XCD 2,8–4/35–100E is a versatile standard zoom lens that seamlessly bridges wide-angle to medium telephoto focal lengths. With approximately 3× optical zoom, it delivers a 28–76 mm full-frame equivalent focal length and an aperture range of f/2,8 to f/4. Effectively combining the range of seven Hasselblad prime lenses into one, it excels in capturing sweeping landscapes, intimate portraits, dynamic street photography, and spontaneous travel moments with confidence.
At its widest aperture of f/2,8, the lens delivers exceptional low light performance, while producing smooth, creamy bokeh and distinct background separation.
The “E” in XCD 2,8–4/35–100E stands for “Exclusive” and represents the top-tier optical performance, delivering the same edge-to-edge image quality as Hasselblad’s XCD prime lenses. Its advanced optical design comprises 16 elements in 13 groups, including three aspherical and five ED elements, ensuring sharp resolution and authentic colour that meet the demands of a 100-megapixel sensor.
The XCD 2,8–4/35–100E is powered by the fastest stepping motor in the XCD lens lineup. This compact internal focusing group, paired with optimised control algorithms, enables smooth and accurate autofocus. When paired with the X2D II 100C’s AF-C system, it confidently tracks moving subjects and ensures precise focus in action shots.
The integrated leaf shutter offers full flash synchronisation from 1/4000 second to 68 minutes, allowing photographers to balance fill flash in bright light or shoot wide open without compromise.
Despite its bright aperture and extended zoom range, the lens remains remarkably compact, measuring just 138 mm in length and weighing just 894 grams. It features the highly praised control rings from XCD V Series lenses, allowing quick adjustments to shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, and subject switching. The engraved “H” logos and subtle “V” insignia on the control rings reflect Hasselblad’s commitment to minimalist design and enduring quality, creating a lens that performs as elegantly as it appears.
VANDRA BACKPACK AND FILTERS FOR HASSELBLAD CREATORS
Inspired by Sweden’s Freedom to Roam, the Vandra Camera Backpack blends functionality and style. With about 20-litre capacity, it can easily hold a Hasselblad body, two lenses, and accessories.
Hasselblad also introduces three new 86 mm UV, ND8, and CPL filters, all fully compatible 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 consult your nearest Hasselblad Flagship Store, authorised dealer, or the Hasselblad online store for purchasing details. For more information, visit www.hasselblad.com.
1, As of 25 August 2025. HDR is not supported in some situations. Refer to the FAQ page for more details.
2, Requires a compatible XCD lens with upgraded firmware. Refer to the FAQ page for more details. Not available with electronic shutter.
3, Requires a compatible iPhone or iPad device. Refer to the FAQ page for more details.
4, Compatible with certain models. Refer to official website.
