Hasselblad X2D II 100C + XCD 35–100mm: why you should pre-order this medium-format powerhouse now
Pre-order Hasselblad X2D II 100C & XCD 35–100mm — 100MP HDR, LiDAR AF, 10-stop IBIS (Buy Guide)
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to Wex Photo Video. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our site and allows us to continue providing in-depth reviews and content. Thank you for your support!The Hasselblad X2D II 100C brings LiDAR-assisted AF, true in-camera HDR, 16-bit colour and up to 10-stop IBIS around a proven 100MP BSI sensor. Read our buyer-intent guide and pre-order links for the camera and new XCD 35–100mm zoom.
Quick snapshot: what matters to buyers
-
Sensor & colour: 100MP BSI CMOS, 16-bit RAW, Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with HDR. (Hasselblad)
-
Autofocus: Continuous AF (AF-C) with LiDAR assistance and a 425-point hybrid AF system (phase + contrast + LiDAR) for faster, more reliable subject tracking. (The Verge)
-
HDR & dynamic range: True end-to-end in-camera HDR workflow with up to 15.3 stops of dynamic range. (B&H Photo Video)
-
Stabilisation: 5-axis in-body stabilisation delivering up to 10 stops of correction — game-changing for handheld long exposures on medium format. (Hasselblad)
-
Lens partnership: XCD 35–100mm f/2.8–4 E — compact, sharp across the frame, 16 elements in 13 groups, 0.4m minimum focus distance and ~19% lighter than the 35–75mm it complements. (Hasselblad, DPReview)
Why the X2D II 100C is more than “just” a resolution upgrade
High resolution used to mean slower, tripod-only workflows. Hasselblad’s approach here is different: they kept the 100MP backside-illuminated sensor photographers love (it still delivers extraordinary detail and tone), but they wrapped it in the modern usability features pros demand — continuous AF with LiDAR, end-to-end HDR handling, and very strong IBIS. That combination turns a studio-grade image maker into a versatile field tool for portraits, landscapes, fine art and even some commercial run-and-gun work where you previously wouldn’t have risked a medium-format sensor. (Hasselblad, The Verge)
Practical buyer point: if you value colour fidelity, highlight retention and ultimate detail for large prints or commercial work, this camera is designed to deliver those strengths while shrinking the gap in autofocus/stabilisation performance that used to keep medium format locked in the studio. (B&H Photo Video)
Autofocus & LiDAR — real gains for real shooting
The headline addition for many buyers is Hasselblad’s LiDAR-assisted AF working alongside a 425-point hybrid AF array (phase + contrast + LiDAR). That makes continuous AF (AF-C) much more useful for moving subjects than older medium-format designs — think more successful portrait sessions with subtle subject motion, and tighter focus when shooting between obstructions or in low-contrast scenes. For wedding, event and outdoor portrait shooters who need both resolution and reliability, this is important. (The Verge)
HDR, 16-bit colour and 15.3 stops — why that matters to image quality
Hasselblad markets the X2D II as the first medium-format camera with “true end-to-end HDR.” Practically, that translates to camera-captured HDR HEIF/JPEG options and better highlight retention straight out of capture plus 16-bit RAW for editing latitude. The quoted 15.3 stops of dynamic range gives you a huge palette for preserving midtones and highlights without sacrificing shadow detail — ideal for landscape, product and location portrait work destined for large prints or advertising. (B&H Photo Video)
Stabilisation: handheld medium format becomes practical
One of the most buyer-relevant specs is 5-axis IBIS rated up to 10 stops. That opens up creative options: slower hand-held exposures for motion blur effects, cleaner high-ISO work for available-light portraits, and fewer trips to the tripod. For professional workflows where speed and mobility matter (editorial, travel, commercial location work), IBIS of this calibre changes how often you’ll reach for the tripod. (Hasselblad)
The XCD 35–100mm f/2.8–4 E — the zoom that keeps up
The new 35–100mm standard-to-telephoto zoom was clearly designed to be a real partner to the X2D II: it covers an equivalent ~28–76mm range, offers a bright max aperture (f/2.8 at the wide end), and uses advanced E-Series optics with a complex 16-element, 13-group design to keep corner-to-corner sharpness high. The lens is compact for medium format, accepts 86mm filters, offers a 0.4m minimum focus distance and — crucially — is notably lighter than some previous standard zooms in Hasselblad’s range. If you want a single, versatile lens for portrait sessions, travel or editorial assignments, this is the one to consider. (Hasselblad, DPReview)
Who should pre-order the X2D II + 35–100mm?
-
Portrait and commercial shooters who print large and need immaculate tone and colour.
-
Travel and editorial photographers who want medium-format image quality but need AF, IBIS and a practical zoom.
-
Landscape & fine-art shooters wanting the widest dynamic range and HDR options built into capture.
-
Existing Hasselblad owners looking to add a more versatile walk-around zoom and a faster AF experience.
If you fit one of these profiles, pre-ordering makes sense: this is a camera that shifts medium format from a specialist, studio tool to a wider set of real-world assignments. (The Verge)
Final buying checklist (before you click “pre-order”)
-
Do you need 100MP? If you sell large prints or need extreme crop ability, yes. If not, a high-end full-frame might be more cost-effective.
-
Lens plan: The 35–100mm is an excellent walk-around for medium format — add it if you want one-lens versatility. (Hasselblad)
-
Workflow: Make sure your editing/storage pipeline handles 16-bit RAW and very large files (and consider the camera’s support for Phocus Mobile 2 if you want HDR mobile workflows). (Hasselblad)
-
Stabilisation: If you rely on handheld shooting, IBIS up to 10 stops is a practical advantage — a major reason to choose the X2D II over older medium-format bodies. (Hasselblad)
Affiliate - Buy / Pre-Order
Bottom line
The X2D II 100C is a strategic rethink of modern medium format: the exacting 100MP image quality you expect from Hasselblad, wrapped in autofocus speed, true in-camera HDR, and industry-leading stabilisation — and paired with a compact, high-quality 35–100mm zoom. For photographers who need the ultimate stills image with more freedom to shoot handheld and follow subjects, pre-ordering the body and the new XCD 35–100mm makes strong sense. Ready to order? Use the WEX links above to pre-order the camera and lens today.
Sources & further reading: Hasselblad product pages and authorised dealer spec sheets; first-look reviews and hands-on coverage from major outlets. (Hasselblad, B&H Photo Video, DPReview, The Verge)
.png)
Comments
Post a Comment