Hasselblad XCD 25V review: swift, sharp and sexy

The Hasselblad XCD 25V is a welcome addition to the V series – and the best wide-angle available for the X System

Hasselblad XCD 25V lens, on a wooden table, shot with dramatic light against a dark background
(Image: © James Artaius)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The X System's lens lineup is quite crowded at the wide end, but the Hasselblad XCD 25V is the one that I've been waiting for. Not only does it offer a much faster f/2.5 aperture, along with excellent central sharpness and great distortion control, it matches the new generation of V-series lenses in aesthetic and operation – bringing some welcome consistency to the range. While things could be a smidge sharper in the corners, in real-world use I have no complaints with a lens that's overall optically fantastic and a true pleasure to shoot with.

Pros

  • +

    Incredible central sharpness

  • +

    Fast f/2.5 aperture

  • +

    Manual focus clutch

  • +

    V-series consistency

Cons

  • -

    Could be sharper in corners

  • -

    Bokeh can be a bit nervous

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The Hasselblad XCD 25V is both the latest lens for the X System, as well as the brand's latest V-series lens – a harmoniously designed range that feels like it's gradually replacing the first generation of optics.

The X System is already well served for wide-angle lenses, as the Hasselblad XCD 25V (with an equivalent 19.75mm focal length, in full frame terms) joins the older XCD 21mm and more recent XCD 28P – both slower f/4 optics, compared to the new lens' fast f/2.5 aperture.

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Mount optionsHasselblad X
35mm focal length19.75mm
Image stabilizationNo
Weather sealingNo
FocusAuto, manual
Control ringYes
Lens construction13 elements in 10 groups
Angle of view95°/82°/66° (diag, hor, ver)
Minimum aperturef/32
Minimum focus distance0.25m
Filter size72mm
Dimensions (len x dia)105 x 75mm
Weight592g
Image

The first-generation Hasselblad XCD 21mm f/4 is a wider lens, with a full frame equivalent 16.6mm focal length, but is a full stop slower and lacks the control ring of the 25V. An older lens, it is no longer widely available.

Image

Hasselblad's smallest and lightest X System lens, the XCD 28P (which I jokingly say stands for "Pancake") is also one of the most affordable. Its 22mm equivalent focal length is a touch longer than the 25V, and at f/4 it's a stop slower.

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.