Medium-format cameras have gained popularity among photography enthusiasts because of the amount of detail in the pictures they produce while being more compact than the large-format cameras.
But as with any type of camera, a medium-format camera’s performance is largely determined by the kind of lenses you use with it. Thus, it’s important to put much thought into choosing the perfect lens for a medium-format camera and to consider each option carefully.
What are the Best Medium-Format Camera Lenses?
Best camera lens for architecture photography:
Hasselblad HCD 24mm f/4.8 Autofocus Lens
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Best suited for architectural photography, the Hasselblad HCD 24mm f/4.8 autofocus lens will give you just the right perspective to enhance the beauty of any architectural wonder. Made especially for Hasselblad’s H system, this lens has shutter speed of up to 1/2000 seconds and flash sync at a variety of speeds.
Providing a 104-degree angle of view, the Hasselblad 24mm f/4.8 creates a dramatic effect on images. Its retro focusing mechanism helps maintain consistent quality throughout the focusing range from 1.3’ to infinity.
Its full-time manual focus allows you to switch to Manual mode while on autofocus by just turning the lens ring. This lens also comes with two filter adapters—105mm and 112mm—so you can screw in filters to prevent vignetting.
Hasselblad 24mm f/4.8 Key Features:
- Improved central shutter unit that produces a faster shutter speed of up to 1/2000 sec
- Flash sync available at all speeds
- Can withstand up to 1,000,000 actuations
- Complex optical design for edge-to-edge sharpness and illumination
- Rear focusing autofocus lens with manual focus override for full control of focusing as close as 1.3’ away
- Comes with 105mm and 112mm filter adapters to accommodate filters of various sizes and thickness
- Angle of view (diagonal/horizontal/vertical): 104 deg. /92 deg. /76 deg.
- Dimensions: Approx. 3.94 x 3.90″ / 100.08 x 99.06mm
- Weight: 1.78lbs (0.81kg)
Best camera lens for wildlife photography:
Hasselblad HC 210mm f/4 Autofocus Telephoto Lens
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Portrait, street, and wildlife photographers will enjoy using this telephoto lens from Hasselblad. It has a longer focal length than traditional telephoto lenses, making it perfect for creating shots in which the focus is tightly on the subject.
The Hasselblad HC 210mm also has an advanced internal focus mechanism that allows you to get sharp and noise-free images, even without using a tripod.
Hasselblad 210mm f/4 Key Features:
- Coated with a special material to eliminate stray light that forms unnecessary artifacts on the photograph
- Quick access to manual focus through its manual focus override function
- Made of highly durable metal
- Unique optical design that gives a soft and smooth appearance to out-of-focus areas in the image
- Angle of view (diagonal/horizontal/vertical): 19 deg. /15 deg. /11 deg.
- Dimensions: Approx. 3.39 x 6.61″ / 86.11 x 167.89mm
- Weight: 2.90lbs (1.32kg)
Best camera lens for realistic-looking photos
Leica Elmarit-S 45mm f/2.8 CS Aspherical Lens for S System
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When it comes to achieving realistic-looking photos, the Leica Elmarit-S 4mm f/2.8 is worth considering. It has a moderate wide-angle coverage that gives you just the right perspective when shooting. Because it’s not ultra-wide, it can be used for different photography types ranging from landscape and architecture to studio photography.
This lens helps produce high-contrast pictures at maximum aperture and even at its shortest focusing distance. It eliminates monochromatic aberration and reduces chromatic aberrations.
Leica Elmarit-S 45mm f/2.8 Key Features:
- Sophisticated lens design for maximum contrast in images
- 45mm size works well with the classic 35mm focal length used in 35mm photography
- Integrated central shutter for fast flash sync at all shutter speeds up to 1/1000 sec
- Angle of view at Infinity: 62 deg.
- Shutter speeds: 1 / 1000 to 8 sec
- Dimensions: 3.46 x 5.35″ (88 x 136mm)
- Weight: 2.44 lbs (1.1kg)
Best camera lens for portrait photography
Leica Summicron-S 1:2 / 100 mm ASPH Lens
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Sophisticated and loaded with useful features, the Leica Summicron-S 1:2 / 100mm ASPH lens will help you achieve the best optical performance possible, resulting in images with three-dimensional sharpness.
The Leica Summicron lens has a special multi-layer coating for pure color rendition and differentiated reproduction of skin tones. It’s also insensitive to flare, making it ideal to use in any lighting situation.
Leica Summicron-S 1:2 / 100 mm ASPH Key Features:
- Seven lens elements for professional level optical performance
- Consistent image performance across all apertures
- Built-in double aspherical lens element for reducing monochromatic aberrations
- Three glasses with anomalous partial dispersion for well-balanced chromatic correction
- Image angle (diagonal/horizontal/vertical): 29 deg./24.7 deg./16.4 deg.
- Dimensions: 4.02 x 3.58″ / 102 x 91mm
- Weight: 32.1oz (910g)
Best camera lens for the budget-conscious photographer:
Pentax 645D FA 90mm F2.8 ED AW SR Lens
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If you’re looking for a little more affordable lens, the Pentax 645D FA 90mm F2.8 is a great choice. Aside from the lower price point, it offers the ideal focal length for macro and portrait photography.
This medium-format Pentax lens features a Quick-shift Focus System that allows switching from auto to manual with just a turn of the lens ring. Its improved HD and Aero Bright coating helps optimize light transmission and reduce reflection to prevent flare and ghosting.
Pentax 645D FA 90mm F2.8 Key Features:
- Fast f/2.8 aperture for excellent depth-of-field control
- Rounded diaphragm blades for creating soft bokeh at large aperture settings
- Focal length equivalent to 71mm (in 35mm format)
- Weather-resistant and dustproof
- Angle of view: 34 deg. (w/ 645D) / 42.5 deg. (w/ 645 film)
- Max diameter x min length: 2.5 x 1.5″ (63.0 x 38.5mm)
- Weight: 36.69 oz (1,040g)
