Hasselblad X2D 100c + OLDER Hasselblad XCD Lenses | In-Body Image Stabilization Test

A lot of people asked me how older Hasselblad XCD lenses perform on the new Hasselblad X2D 100c camera body. This video provides an answer to that question. I live-shoot 6 different older XCD lenses on the X2D and also show lots of sample images.
In addition, I also test the IBIS (in-body image stabilization) on the new X2D 100c when shooting older XCD lenses hand-hold in low light.
Content:
00:00 Introduction
01:54 Phase detection autofocus with new XCD-V lenses performs better
03:16 Keep the firmware on all lenses up to date
04:48 Checking firmware on the XCD 3.5/120 Macro
05:14 What’s in my camera backpack for the live shooting
06:30 Live shooting of 6 older XCD lenses on the X2D 100c
07:40 Sample images: XCD 3.5/120 Macro on the X2D 100c
11:22 Sample images: XCD 4/45p on the X2D 100c
13:13 Sample images: XCD 3.5-4.5/35-75 on the X2D 100c
14:35 Sample images: XCD 1.9/80 on the X2D 100c
16:22 Sample images: XCD 3.5/30 on the X2D 100c
17:22 Sample images: XCD 3.5/45 on the X2D 100c
18:13 Testing the effectiveness of in-body image stabilization
20:11 Conclusions
Note: @07:40 you will find my file naming as “X6D” instead of “X2D”. This typo when exporting from Lightroom happened now twice to me since I am also shooting the Hasselblad H6D-100c so a “2” ends up easily as a “6” :)
More content on the new Hasselblad X2D 100c and the new XCD-"V" lenses below.
NEW Hasselblad X2D 100c Hands-on and First Shooting:
• NEW Hasselblad X2D 100...
NEW Hasselblad X2D + XCD 2.5/55V Focus Field Control without Joystick:
• NEW Hasselblad X2D + X...
NEW Hasselblad X2D Long Exposures at NIGHT:
• NEW Hasselblad X2D Lon...
NEW Hasselblad X2D Dynamic Timelapse Tutorial:
• NEW Hasselblad X2D Dyn...
Hasselblad X2D 100c + XCD 2.5/38V - HIGH ISO Street Photography:
• Hasselblad X2D 100c + ...
Music (if applicable):
epidemicsound.com (licensed)
storyblocks.com (licensed)
motionarray.com (licensed)
#Hasselblad #Hasselblad_camera

[@kuau714]

Ive been shooting my X2D for the past 10 days an absolutely love it. I had on order the new 38 and 55 yet when I got a new open box 35-75 zoom I went for that instead. Couldn't be happier. I also have the original XCD90 which is razor sharp, the XCD21 and XCD 135 w/h TC they all work flawlessly. I rented the 45P and I was blown away on the sharpness. Yet since I opted for the zoom, I felt I had no need for the 45. I know I am giving up a touch of overall performance with the zoom, yet the convenience of the zoom and not having to change lenses in the field is a real plus. To bad Hasselblad didn't put in a sensor shield like the Nikon Z9 has. The sensor on the Hasselblad is a dust magnet and hard to keep clean.

[@mathphotographer]

Great to hear that you got your gear, Steven, congrats! And I fully agree and also said it in the video, the X2D + XCD 35-75 is a perfect combo with the zoom lens always on. You do not give up noticeable image quality if you shoot that Hasselblad zoom instead of prime lenses. And yes, a sensor shield would be terrific!

[@RogerGaloubet]

Hello Steven. I solved the "dust magnet" sensor problem in a rather unconventional way. I don't change lenses. Instead I have a three X1D-50C bodies and a 907x-50C body each with a different lens so I always have the right lens for the right subject and quickly (and speed is essential). It's an expensive way of doing things. It'll be even more expensive when I get my hands on the X2D!

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Very good as usual. I grübel a bit about my X2D which has not yet arrived. It is comforting to know the market of used lenses from the X1D series works well with the X2D. All in all well done, precise and knowledgeable. Vielen Dank. Tschüß

[@mathphotographer]

Gerne :) Freut mich, wenn das Video ein paar Gedankenanstösse gibt!

[@thomasphillips5850]

Excellent video, the images are stunning. The IBIS of this camera is amazing. I as well like the little 45p. Thanks for the info on lenses performance onthe camera.

[@jeffreyb.1657]

Thank you x 100. Great video. Appreciated A LOT.

[@mathphotographer]

Pleasure :) A lot of people asked for a deep dive into this topic here.

[@medardocasino4386]

Thanks a lot Math. Your video is very informative. Glad that even older generation lenses are backwards compatible with the new X2D

[@mathphotographer]

Glad you liked the video :)

[@bmwohl]

This was a very nice approach to testing. I think I can do something similar to compare the Z9 to my 3 year old Z7. You inspire me.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Barry, glad you liked it!

[@RogerGaloubet]

Excellent review - many thanks.

[@mathphotographer]

Pleasure :)

[@anthonyrock5039]

I have been enjoying my x2d and have the ,8 along with an older hc 50-110. I will use this along with my 45p until my 90v arrives mid to late Nov.

[@stewarthowell690]

WOW. Best video i have seen in years. I wish i was your neighbour. THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH beautiful photos

[@mathphotographer]

Many thanks Stewart, what a nice comment! Appreciated!

[@jaimeduncan6167]

I was hopping you will have the 135mm f2.8 it's a very nice focal length for people. In any case thanks a lot for all the tests and time put in this videos.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Jaime, unfortunately I do not own the 135mm ... maybe should consider.

[@user-fs2hb6jx2j]

Great video, very helpful indeed! Would you recommend any specific hand/wrist strap for the X2D 100C camera? Thanks.

[@williamshepherd9013]

This was very helpful, thank you :) I already have the 30mm, 45P and 80 1.9, so I was worried they couldn't stand up to the X2D and realize now that they will!

[@mathphotographer]

They surely will, William. Don't worry shooting older Hasselblad lenses on the X2D, they are fully capable to deliver the 100MP resolution.

[@williamshepherd9013]

@@mathphotographer Would you say the 30 or the 45P performs better? The 80mm is a no brainer, I love that lens and would never give it up for anything :)

[@Oliver-gammarART]

Thanks for the review 👏 Would be interesting to test old H lenses on the new X2D 🙌

[@mathphotographer]

I will, promise. I have older Hasselblad HC lenses which I use on my Hasselblad H6D and I will clearly shoot them with Adapter also on the X2D.

[@_CharlieHarper]

Great video ! Big thank you ... I have got a question. I've heard some reviewers saying that in some rare cases they were having problems with the lens properly locking to the camera body, complaining that it was not firmly attached, and that it was slightly moving in the lock. Have you ever experienced anything like that?

[@hassanatapour2258]

Math, as usual very informative video. Thank you. However, I do not see any sharpness comparison done for the image corners. Are corners as sharp? Second question, have you seen any dust build up on the sensor during these lens changes?

[@mathphotographer]

No dust on the sensor but I always exchange lenses with care and caution. Most lenses widest open can be slightly more soft in the corners but the Hasselblad lenses are typically sharp corner to corner wide open and if not you need to stop down one or two stops and then you have top results.

[@theresjustnotellingfpv4822]

Dear Math, Thank you so much for this! Would you happen to have a wetransfer for your raw files? I'd love to check them out if possible.

[@blende5.693]

thanks for the perfect video. I will test the Hasselblad X2D next weekend. Maybe this will be my next camera. But I need a 1:1 macro lens to scan my negatives, so I will test the 120mm f3.5 with the converter for 1:1.

[@giovanniGLR]

I tried the HC 120 mm mark 2 for headshots and portraits a bit too bulky but the quality is amazing, bare in mind that only newer lenses can autofocus( focus manualy is super easy ) and also rember that there are two versions mark one and mark two and the second one has a rewonoed optical design

[@mathphotographer]

@@giovanniGLR Correct - when purchasing HC lenses make sure the orange square is on the lens. These are the newer ones where you can update firmware.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks! The XCD 3.5/120mm is a very good choice. When considering Hasselblad HC lenses, pls read the comments from Giovanni and me below.

[@geoffreygoldberg2585]

Try the 20mm macro adapter on the XCD lenses. Have used w 45 and 65 w success for 120 negs.

[@Phantom_gtx]

Great!

[@Joe-gl8sr]

Wow that IBIS is sweet

[@NikCan66]

Another great video that shows the Hasselblad is the best medium format with Leica

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks! I love the X2D a lot and the new lenses are also a big improvement.

[@NikCan66]

@@mathphotographer Always choose the best gear for the job in hand

[@KennethRosenstroem]

A shame you did not have a chance to test out the XCD 21, XCD 65, XCD 135 and XCD 135+1,7x. Maybe in the future.

[@firstwave8855]

Another great video with very useful information. Planning to get the 45p with x2d for the smallest set up. One question would be at the same price, is the 45 3.5 much better? I really like the size of 45p. Cheers!

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks! As mentioned in the video, the 45p has in my opinion the same sharpness, contrast and image quality as the 45. The only difference is that the 45 can go a bit wider but for me that does not make the 45 better ... and the 45p is beautifully compact and light weight. See @17:26 my comments in the video.

[@BigSlimyBlob]

@@mathphotographer Thank you so much for the information. I too am planning to get an X2D with the 45P lens, and it's reassuring to know that there are no issues with it.

[@Baldy3091]

Hey, Mathew. Another question. I take a lot of close-up shots-not necessarily macro, but close in, like your spider and leaf shots from the 120. Is the 80/1.9 as good or better (via cropping in) as the 120 for those type of close-in shots? Thanks, as always. Bill

[@mathphotographer]

The 120 XCD is a true macro lens so its better for close-ups.

[@Baldy3091]

@@mathphotographer Got it, thanks.

[@giovanniGLR]

I got an x2d and im super happy of it , i will slowly build the new lens line up proably avoiding older x lenses getting new ones and adapting H lenses , but for some reasons i would also like to get an H6 , do you think that the x2d will push the used h6-100c cameras under 10k euros?

[@mathphotographer]

Hard to say, the H6D-100c will feel the competition from the X2D-100c for sure but the H6D can shoot the fantastic HC lenses natively without adapter and also has the "True Focus" feature which the X2D does not have.

[@studiochloki]

Hi Math, great video! Have you had the chance to compare the x2d autofocus with the phase one XF? I’ve always disliked phase one’s autofocus and I’m thinking about switching over :-) The x2d seems to be focusing rather well even in low light situations…?

[@mathphotographer]

The X2D with PDAF is much better in focusing than its predecessors but it lacks one essential feature the Phase One XF and the Hasselblad H6D have, and that's "True Focus". With that feature you can focus, recompose and the camera (based in its internal motion sensors) calculates automatically the focus correction. This feature is not yet available on the X2D and I hope it comes with a firmware upgrade in the course of the year. If you want to learn more about this feature, which Phase One also have under a different name, see here: www.hasselblad.com/h-system/h6x/ If you scroll down you find some text under the headline "TRUE FOCUS AND ABSOLUTE POSITION LOCK".

[@studiochloki]

@@mathphotographer Thanks! I had heard about this feature but haven’t tried it yet :-) I guess I would rather be able to move the focus point to the desired area and not lose time recomposing?Especially when shooting portraits with really shallow depth of field when the subject is a bit nervous I’ve struggled with this lag between focusing and recomposing.

[@gentleman0678]

I love the size compared to my phase one xf. Im planning a trip to kenya on mount Kilimanjaro and this would be so much better than the phase with the portability

[@mathphotographer]

Fully agree, Charles. Its amazing what image quality the X2D 100c offers in such a compact format.

[@gentleman0678]

@@mathphotographer it really is amazing, so much that I’m actually considering trading in my phaseone system. I never thought i would ever do that.

[@ErwinSerle]

The second spider appears to be a Rüsselkäfer ;-)

[@martinbowen9928]

Hi Math The x2d is incredible. The implementation of IBIS is groundbreaking for me. I am getting super sharp images at shutter speeds where, with the previous camera, a tripod would have been de rigeur. I don’t have the new lenses but the performance on the xcd lenses is really good. Now we just need firmware for focus bracketing etc and compatibility with Phocus mobile and then we can really get the most from this superb tool.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Martin, the IBIS is indeed a game changer for me too. When I compare the X2D IBIS with IBIS from other camera brands, the Hasselblad IBIS is groundbreaking!

[@forgewire]

When you use phrase "previous camera" it make you smells a rat, you know that?

[@johnhjic2]

Hello I bet your happy to get yours I am still waiting oner a month now.

[@mathphotographer]

Hope you get your's soon!

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Nice Vid -- Jim Kasson and others are reporting the X2D-100C is broadly ISO-less and can be shot ISO-invariant at ISO settings of 200 or higher. I would be interested in your take (and testing) of these claims and what they mean for you (and us as owners and shooters). It is my assumption that the new BSI sensor has significantly improved the performance of the camera -vs- the X1D-ii - I would be interested to see/hear your conclusions. I am also interested to hear what Hasselblad is planning for other lenses in their existing line-up and whether/when they will be upgraded to the "V" design. Starting with the 4/21, then in order 1.9/80, 3.5/120M and 2.8/135. Do you anticipate Hasselblad will make an HTS 1.5 for the X system AND a matching 0.8TC (or speed booster)?

[@mathphotographer]

Good topics, thanks for the suggestions. I will continue to push the envelope on the X2D - so much more to test and try out.

[@Nostromo4261]

Does x2d focus stacking work with the 120 macro?

[@cameraprepper7938]

How does the 120mm macro Lens perform at infinity for Landscape ?

[@chrisviolette6303]

Thank you for this video. At 1:22 and elsewhere you mention that the X2D has face detection auto focus. Hasselblad hasn't said as much. Could you kindly clarify?

[@firstwave8855]

I believe he is referring to Phase Detect AF😃

[@mathphotographer]

"First Wave" is correct: I talked in this video about phase detection autofocus (PDAF) which is new on the X2D. Whether Hasselblad will in a later firmware update provide face detection is not clear yet. I hope they do but we do not know for sure.

[@Eliehbk]

how would you rate the image quality compared to top tear FF sensor like your M11? do you see a big difference? Thanks!

[@mathphotographer]

There is a difference, maybe I should post a video where I compare FF and MF images ... having said that, today's FF cameras are so good and well done, you already get such a high quality that there is not necessarily a need for MF. Even with newer APS-C cameras like the Fuji X-H2 for instance, pro photographers can live very well.

[@rolandrick]

PD AF on the X2D isn’t implemented yet, it isn’t even officially announced by Hasselblad, is it? Or did I get something completely wrong from the official Hasselblad pages and missed the announcement?

[@mathphotographer]

Hi Roland, Hasselblad says on their X2D website the following: "X2D 100C utilises Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) to capture fleeting moments in stunning clarity. 294 PDAF zones spread over the 100-megapixel sensor surface provide swift and accurate focusing at the press of a button." You find all information they officially stated here: www.hasselblad.com/x-system/x2d-100c/

[@emmetwasserman]

Matt, I just received my x2d and noticed a tiny bit of play in the lens mount, I wanted to know if you noticed the same on your unit

[@eerajqaisar7912]

I am not Matt, but I noticed this play with the XCD 38 and 55. No play though with the older XCD 65, 80 or 135. All of this on the X2D.

[@mathphotographer]

@@eerajqaisar7912 Agree with Eeraj, its a tiny little bit of play so not concerning. The older XCD lenses also need a bit more force when mounting, the new XCD-"V" lenses do not need that much force when mounting.

[@mathphotographer]

I personally like it that the new lenses are so easy to mount ...

[@mathphotographer]

And by the way, Emmet: congrats that you finally got your own X2D! :)

[@dcrilley9624]

Right now in the UK there is no choice but to use XCD lenses. No V lenses , we are told, until December/January. I have just got going with a 45p. Initial impression is that the IBIS is indeed at least half a stop, maybe a full stop better than my GFX100s. At 1 s most shots are more than acceptably sharp in an indoor environment with no wind and very stable shooting posture. At about half a second the success rate is astounding for the sensor size and pixel density. Hand held waterfall shots at half a second ? As for the lens and AF, well, its at least got AF. It is, however, nowhere near the calibre of the GFX AF system. The GF 45 2.8 is much faster than the 45p and hunts far less in identical conditions.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for sharing and sorry to hear that the UK delayed the new Hasselblad lenses, shame. For the time being you are, nevertheless, well off with the 45p. I personally love this lens, is one of my favorites based on sharpness and compact design.

[@6923mama]

Nice! Is this a water resistance camera?

[@mathphotographer]

Its sealed against splash water and dust and so are the lenses. I would though not take it with me under the shower :) but shooting in rain or on sandy beach is absolutely fine!

[@6923mama]

@@mathphotographer Thank you for your help sir!

[@majedanani939]

Hi Math. I am assuming that with the older XCD lenses the phase detect auto focus on X2D does not work. But I don’t know this for a fact. Do you know if my assumption is correct?

[@mathphotographer]

I have had the same assumption but Hasselblad so far did not give us information on that. What I see is that also older XCD lenses have better performing autofocus on the X2D compared to the X1D(II) - but as said, I do not see any comments from Hasselblad on that topic.

[@majedanani939]

Thank you Sir

[@ic5607]

👍

[@sunhongpark4646]

Between the new 55v,65mm, and 80 which one do you prefer?

[@mathphotographer]

My current favorite lenses in the XCD portfolio are the XCD 80 and the XCD 45p. And I started to like a lot the new XCD 2.5/38V and XCD 2.5/55V. I am also desperately waiting for the new XCD 2.5/90V to finally arrive in the studio.

[@JoyceYang-dc7zw]

Hi Math, I got an used XCD 45mm f/3.5 and when I unbox the lens I immediately found the front element of the lens does not sit very tightly. The lens shakes when I shake it. Is it normal? Many thanks in advance...

[@mathphotographer]

That’s not normal … you should complain

[@JoyceYang-dc7zw]

@@mathphotographer Thank you!

[@dirkbuerstatte5743]

Hi Math, since the X2D is on the market I have the same questions and you answer them: Thank´s a lot! One question: I see that you work with .dng files. Do you develop the pictures in Phocus or is your workflow with Lightroom? Can you tell something about your workflow? I have rented the X1D II for comparing pictures with my EOS R5. I develop both pictures in Lightroom and send them to Photoshop. In Photoshop I work with the TK 8 Panel from Tony Kuyper. Inside there are some actions like "soft pop" and "make it glow" and I tried them on both pictures. The canon file is overdone and the Hasselbladfile is only slightly affected. Have you recognized those issues in Photoshop?

[@mathphotographer]

Hi Dirk, filters like you mentioned in post-processing have a different effect on RAW files from different cameras, that is kind of normal. If you convert the files before applying the filter into JPG, the effect should be kind of comparable. On your other question: I often use LRC for Hasselblad post-processing. But if I do long exposures at night, I also like Phocus since hot pixels get then removed automatically by Phocus which can be a big advantage and can safe a lot of time in post.

[@dontrammell4276]

Did you test the 35-75mm?

[@mathphotographer]

Yes I did, see my recent video on shooting older XCD lenses on the new X2D camera.

[@TheBabyBobot]

Thanks Math. But the review no one has yet done is the X2D+XH (adapter)+HCD lenses. I'm one of many hasselblad H5D users that own everything for that system whom are unwilling to chuck it all out. But rather continue to build on it just like in the past decades. which is why modular systems are so loved, they grow and evolve.

[@mathphotographer]

Ha! Going online in the next couple of hours: X2D + HCD 4/28 + XH Converter 0.8x + HTS 1.5 Shift Adapter :)

[@ArthurAbramovPhoto]

Maybe test X2D with h lenses? With converter.

[@mathphotographer]

Yes will do - I shoot Hasselblad HC lenses on various camera bodies with adapters and my X2D will get mounted HC lenses very soon!

[@stephanpoulin1308]

I'm a Sony photographer, I'm thinking of buying a X1D2 and maybe using my Sony lenses, is it possible?

[@mathphotographer]

Go for the new X2D instead of the X1D II. And use native Hasselblad lenses. That will provide the best performance.

[@b.h.w.stuhlmann2112]

Thanks! I think you have also a 907X, i wont buy one. Can you also check the new V-lens on the 907X - ist it compatible? The V-lenses looks better as the old :-) Before two weeks i ask per mail by Hasselblad Germany but become no answer! thanks...

[@mathphotographer]

The new XCDV-lenses are fully compatible with the 907X and deliver excellent quality. Hasselblad offers new firmware to make the camera bodies compatible with the new XCDV-lenses, see here: www.hasselblad.com/x-system/firmware/x1d-ii-50c-firmware-update-1-5-2/

[@mathphotographer]

And don't ask Hasselblad :) They are slow in replying. Rather ask around in the community like, for instance, here :)

[@analconda1663]

8:20 lol its not spider Hahahahaha

[@mathphotographer]

I know - that was a slip of the tongue. Let's call it a bug when calling a bug a spider :)

[@artistwithcameras]

Thank you for Going outside ! Let’s see more of your beautiful country. The CIA won’t mind if you leave station for a day or two.

[@mathphotographer]

:)

[@kitcat9225]

holy cow that spider is scary

[@mathphotographer]

Lives outside the house, did not bite anyone so far :) But lives from mosquitos getting caught in its spiderweb so very useful :)

[@beardymcbeardface69]

I think she's cute. But then I am Australian.

[@jimb2500]

I received my X2D with 55v and the lens does not fit snug it’s loose and moves left to right. This is poor quality control! Many other photographers are having the same issue as listed on the Hasselblad forum and Facebook groups. I am disappointed and will be returning mine. I’m not paying $3600 for a lens that doesn’t fit right!

[@anthonyrock5039]

It would be great to see this fit and finish issue. Especially for those of us awaiting our 90v etc. Did you video this? Can you upload? That would be appreciated. It is taking seemingly long based on promised shipping dates to receive these. It has gone from late last month to mid this month and now radio silence.. hmm.

[@okby]

made in Dji

[@mathphotographer]

I would say "owned by DJI" but not made by DJI :)

[@forgewire]

According to you "AF is speedy" but according to DP Review AF is junk even compared to H6D. Who am I supposed to believe if any?

[@mathphotographer]

As you can see in other videos on my channel, I shoot the H6D and shoot the X1DII and compared to these two cameras the autofocus of the X2D with the new XCD lenses is much better and with higher speed. Of course, compared to other cameras like a Nikon Z9 or Sony A1, the autofocus of the X2D is super slow.

[@okby]

这相机在中国还需要加价，现在官方价格是45900人民币，需要加10000人民币。还不一定买得到。