Most photographers have a clear idea of what their lens setup should look like: an ultra-wide-angle for large scenes, a standard zoom for everyday shots, a telephoto for details—and if the budget allows, perhaps a fast prime lens for special looks. That sounds like maximum flexibility. But what if I told you that this very approach can limit you in your photography? That with just one lens you might discover more creative freedom and photographic potential than with a whole cabinet full of glass? A fixed setup forces you to see more consciously, compose your image better, and select your subjects specifically. It takes away the possibility of supposedly switching "comfortably" between focal lengths—and instead gives you the opportunity to sharpen your eye and develop a unique, consistent visual feel. And that's exactly where the Hasselblad XCD 38V comes in. It's compact, lightweight, extremely sharp, and with its 30mm equivalent (in 35mm format), it strikes a rare balance between wide-angle and standard focal length. But is that enough to replace an entire lens arsenal? Is it really the one lens you can use to photograph almost anything—from people to landscapes to fine art series? That's exactly what I want to find out in this long-term test.

Hasselblad XCD 38V and XCD 55V and XCD 90V in the mountain hut

The V-System at a glance

Before we take a look at the XCD 38V in detail, it's worth taking a look at the Hasselblad V-System. With this series, Hasselblad wanted to create a perfect balance between performance, portability, and flexibility. While each of the regular XCD lenses is optimized for maximum optical quality, the V-series brings a new approach: continuity. This means a unified compact design, faster autofocus motors, and a consistent f/2.5 aperture across all models.

The XCD V series currently includes four lenses: the XCD 25V as an ultra-wide angle, the XCD 38V as a versatile standard focal length, the XCD 55V as a classic standard lens, and the XCD 90V as a telephoto option. They all share the same lens diameter, focus and control ring, and a 72mm filter thread – a detail that makes switching between them particularly practical. The only thing I don't quite like about the lens is the Control Ring, which can be assigned to aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. In practice, however, it is too easily adjusted for my taste, which is why I rarely use it.

What makes the XCD 38V unique?

Despite belonging to the V series, the 38V has some special features that distinguish it from its siblings. Weighing only 350g, it is the lightest lens in the entire XCD series. In direct comparison to the Portable series (P series), especially the XCD 45P, the 38V offers significantly more performance despite its compact design. The faster autofocus, the larger aperture of f/2.5 (instead of f/4.0 on the 45P), and the overall higher-quality construction ensure noticeably more professional handling. The housing is made of solid metal, the focus ring runs precisely, and the engravings for the distance scale and depth-of-field indicator are reminiscent of classic lenses from the past century.

The autofocus of the XCD 38V is noticeably faster and quieter than with the older XCD generations. It works precisely and reliably as long as the subject is not moving too fast. Nevertheless, I much prefer to use manual focus with this lens because it is so incredibly intuitive to use. Thanks to the push-pull mechanism, I can switch from autofocus to manual mode with a flick of the wrist. As soon as I push the focus ring forward, the X2D automatically activates the 100% focus magnifier – a function that reminds me of classic rangefinder cameras. This allows me to set the focus with pinpoint accuracy, even in dark environments.

Especially in street photography, I use the technique of "camping": I find an interesting scene with beautiful light and an exciting environment, set the focus manually, and wait for the perfect moment. Just like you would with a Leica M.

When the time comes, the extremely quiet leaf shutter releases almost unnoticed – and the result is an ultra-high-resolution image with 100 megapixels.

The XCD 38V produces incredibly high-contrast, detailed images in which you can literally lose yourself in the details – especially in landscape shots. An optical compromise that had to be made with the compact design is the clearly visible vignetting, which is still visible even at apertures of 5.6 and 8. Of course, it would be nicer if a lens in this price range were optically completely flawless. But to be honest, I almost always add a slight vignette in post-processing anyway to guide the viewer's eye. And if you want to remove the vignette, a single click in image editing is enough.

I rarely work with the aperture wide open, as too shallow a depth of field often takes too much context out of the image. My pictures tell stories – and for that, I like to take my time and use a tripod for a well-considered image composition. But at night, a large aperture is worth its weight in gold. At f/2.5, I can still focus manually even under pure starlight, as I can still see enough in the viewfinder to work precisely. The combination of good ISO performance from the X2D, the excellent IBIS image stabilization, and the new Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction in Phocus Mobile enables images that would not have been possible with any camera in the world ten years ago.

Overall, the XCD 38V is a lens that is designed for versatility, compactness, and the highest image quality – and that is precisely why it is the lens that I use most on my X2D.

Portrait shots with context using the Hasselblad XCD 38V

The perfect focal length – between wide angle and standard lens

With a full-frame equivalent focal length of 30mm, the XCD 38V strikes a rare balance between the classic reportage focal lengths of 28mm and 35mm. For me, 35mm often feels too tight, while 28mm already creates a significantly wider-angle look. The XCD 38V is right in between – a balance that has proven itself in many genres.

Whether environmental portraits, wide landscapes, or intimate still lifes, this lens brings every subject into a natural context. And thanks to the 100 megapixels of the Hasselblad X2D, I can zoom deep into the image if necessary without losing quality. Leica and Fujifilm have integrated digital zoom functions directly into their cameras – a feature that would also suit the X2D well as a software update. If I need a wider image section, I use panorama techniques instead. This creates high-resolution landscape shots with several hundred megapixels, free of wide-angle distortion, but with a pleasant compression of the subject. Another exciting possibility is working with diptychs or triptychs – positioning individual, independent images next to each other to tell a coherent story.

For me, the XCD 38V has just the right mix of context-creating width and compressed intimacy. Whether people, animals, buildings, or landscapes – this lens lets every subject breathe in its environment without losing focus on the essentials. It is this narrative power that makes me reach for the 38V again and again. Each image becomes more than just an isolated subject – it tells a story about its surroundings and its connection to the world. But what about the open aperture? In my work, I rarely use the largest aperture of f/2.5, as too shallow a depth of field often takes the context out of an image. I love to include the environment in the picture and take my time for it – and often a tripod to compose deliberately. But in night photography, the aperture plays a crucial role. Even under pure starlight, I can still focus manually thanks to f/2.5, as I can see enough details in the electronic viewfinder of the X2D. Of course, with the current ISO capabilities of Hasselblad and the impressive image stabilizer of the X2D, it is still easy to shoot handheld even in the deepest darkness. With the new Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction in the Phocus Mobile App, night shots are created that would not have been conceivable with any camera in the world ten years ago.

When I reach for the Hasselblad X2D, it's with a clear idea of what kind of pictures I want to take. I know that I can't realize ultra-wide architectural shots with perfect orthogonality. I know that the autofocus for street photography doesn't react as quickly as with other systems. But that's exactly the point. I use this system because it allows me to capture the world in its best possible quality – with artistic intention and without compromise. Every 200MB raw shot I take with this camera is a conscious decision. I want to be completely in the moment, experience my surroundings without distraction, and focus on capturing a unique story in a single image. The XCD 38V helps me do exactly that. It sees the world as I see it – clear, focused, and with the right balance between environment and subject. Imagine the combination of Hasselblad X2D or 907X with the 38V as a Fujifilm X100 or Leica Q on steroids – but in true medium format quality.

"Quiet Countryside Glow" from the series Midnight Refuel

"Midnight Refuel" – An entire fine art series with just one lens

Last year, I traveled through southern Spain to find possible locations for my photo workshops. If you would like to watch me live and discuss your questions about photography, camera equipment, and business with me personally, you can find exclusive photo trips with a maximum of 4 participants in Andalusia on my website.

After a long day in El Torcal National Park, I started my way back late in the evening. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a lonely, brightly lit gas station passing by in the darkness. Immediately, I had a picture in my head – inspired by a motif that Jason Kummerfeldt (Grainydays) had taken nearby a year earlier. I felt this uneasy feeling in my stomach – the feeling of missing a photographic opportunity. My pulse rose, and I knew I had to turn around. Because nothing haunts me more than the thought of simply driving past a perfect subject.

The gas station shone like a mirage in the pitch-black night of Andalusia. I wasn't sure if there was really a strong photo hidden here, so I circled the scene, tested different perspectives, and looked for a perfect arrangement of all the elements. In the middle of a deserted country road, I found the ideal angle. Two trimmed green trees formed a contrast to the smooth red steles on which the gas station roof rested. The many small details of the gas pumps and the sales room were enveloped by black emptiness – a stage of darkness that made the subject stand out even more. And that's exactly where I stood. In the middle of the night, in the middle of the road, with my Hasselblad X2D and the XCD 38V. Alone with this one lens. In the middle of the asphalt, focused on this artificial island of light, this pit stop on the highway of life. I stopped twice more that night to photograph other gas stations along the Mediterranean coast.

The next day, I immersed myself in maps, looking for visually interesting gas stations that told more than just their function. Night after night, I drove through the darkness, searching for lights in the void, for places that told stories of freedom, loneliness, and past journeys. Always with the XCD 38V. The decision to shoot this series with only one focal length created a visual coherence that is essential in fine art projects and photo competitions. It shows that I work consciously, that I understand my equipment as a creative tool to create a certain atmosphere. Because a gas station in itself is not a simple subject. But in the right setting, it becomes more than just a functional building. It becomes a symbol of being on the road, of nocturnal journeys through unknown territories, of the moments between start and finish.

If you want to see the complete series, you can find it here in my projects:

Midnight Refuel – The complete gallery

Conclusion – Is the XCD 38V the only lens you need?

What do you think? Could the XCD 38V become your one and only for the Hasselblad system, or does your photographic style speak a different language? I myself often revert to the XCD 90V to further eliminate distractions from the image and compress the moment more intensely. Nevertheless, the 38V remains my absolute favorite lens for the X system. It combines size, weight, speed, autofocus, and image quality in a way that is perfect for me. And if you are currently considering buying your first Hasselblad X2D or 907X and are wondering which lens you should start with – I would invest in the XCD 38V first.

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Happy shooting, and see you next time!