After unboxing the Hasselblad X2D II 100C, it was finally time to open the lens I chose to pair with it: the Hasselblad XCD 4/28P.
One of the things that surprised me most while researching the Hasselblad system was just how compact some of the newer P-series lenses are. When most people think of medium format, they imagine large, heavy equipment. The 28P is the opposite of that expectation.
For someone planning to use the X2D primarily for travel photography, portability mattered a lot.
Why I Chose the 28P
I spent an unreasonable amount of time debating between several lenses before finally deciding on the 28P. At various points I considered:
- the XCD 38V
- the XCD 55V
- and even the XCD 25V
But the 28P ultimately seemed like the best fit for the type of photography I enjoy most:
- travel
- landscapes
- city scenes
- architecture
- environmental street photography
The lens is roughly equivalent to about a 22mm full-frame field of view, making it distinctly wide without feeling extreme. By way of comparison, on the iPhone Camera app 1x is the equivalent of a 24mm full-frame field of view. The 0.5x option is 13mm. So the XCD 28P sits between those, but closer to the 1x option.
I wanted something that could comfortably handle:
- narrow European streets
- dramatic landscapes
- cafes and interiors
- and immersive travel storytelling
First Impressions
My first reaction after taking the lens out of the box was simple:
“Wow…this is tiny.”
Seeing a lens this compact attached to a 100-megapixel medium format camera is honestly surprising.
The build quality feels incredible. Dense and premium without feeling heavy.
Combined with the X2D II body, the setup feels far more portable than I expected. That portability was one of my biggest concerns before buying into the Hasselblad ecosystem.
Coming From Sony
This is my first medium format system.
Over the years I’ve primarily used Sony cameras, including:
- early Sony Alpha models
- a Sony NEX system
- and most recently the Sony RX10 IV
The RX10 IV had become my “do everything” travel camera, but after it was damaged and no longer made financial sense to repair, I found myself exploring something completely different.
What kept pulling me toward Hasselblad wasn’t just image quality.
It was also:
- the simplicity of the system
- the industrial design
- the shooting experience
- and the famous Hasselblad color science
As someone who works in product and design, I appreciate products that feel intentional — and the X2D system absolutely feels that way.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to see how the 28P performs in real-world travel situations.
This setup will soon be joining me for:
- Caribbean photography
- city walks
- conferences and events
- and an upcoming Europe trip
More importantly, I’m excited to see how medium format changes the way I photograph.
This feels less like buying a gadget and more like starting a new creative chapter.
