Conclusion

Despite an XCD 45mm lens already in existence, Hasselblad has launched a compelling alternative that is more compact and significantly less expensive, the XCD 45mm F4 P.

There's a lot going for this lens; its diminutive size and weight, its quiet operation, it's the quickest to acquire sharp autofocus of all XCD lenses, plus it feels wonderful in the hand with the X1D II 50C camera.

Ultimately this is the most versatile lens in the range and the fact that it's less than half of the price of all other XCD lenses is the cherry on the cake. (Those with a Hasselblad X1D are less likely to be counting pennies, but still.)

That said, this lens is not quite as critically sharp as other XCD lenses. We're nitpicking because detail is impressively sharp, but those printing on the ultra-large-scale may notice the difference. Resolved detail still appears to be enough for the X1D II 50C camera though.

Most lens distortions are handled really well; chromatic aberrations, vignetting, barrel distortion and flare. Bokeh is not the song suit of the 45mm F4 P lens, which could be off-putting for those looking to use the lens for close up work such as portraits.

So where does the XCD 45mm F4 P lens sit in the Hasselblad's X-system? We think it is a worthy addition, not least of which to show that faster and quieter autofocusing is possible. And mounted to the X1D II 50C, truly this is a lens and camera match made in heaven.

Optically is where the difference in price is perhaps the most obvious, but we'd still completely recommend the Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/4 P lens and hope it's the sign of similar glass to come.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4
Features	3.5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image quality	4.5
Value for money	4