Hawk V-Plus: Enhanced version of the Hawk V lens series featuring improved optical performance and an extended focal length range.
Technical Details
The Hawk V-Plus series includes focal lengths from 35mm to 150mm with a constant aperture of T2.2. The reduced 1.3x squeeze factor allows for more even bokeh distribution and minimizes extreme distortion at the image edges. The lenses feature a 95mm front diameter and a uniform 0.8mm gear pitch for follow focus systems. The optical design is based on a 14-element, 10-group construction with special multi-layer coating to reduce flares and ghosting. The close focus distance varies between 0.9m (35mm) and 1.5m (150mm).
History & Development
Vantage Film developed the Hawk V-Plus series in 2016 in response to the increasing prevalence of 6K and 8K cameras and the desire for less extreme anamorphic effects. The first prototypes were used in "Blade Runner 2049" by cinematographer Roger Deakins in 2017. The official market launch occurred in 2018 with an initial four focal lengths. The series expanded to six focal lengths by 2020 and established itself as a premium alternative to traditional 2x anamorphics.
Practical Use in Film
"Dune" (2021, Cinematographer Greig Fraser) extensively used the Hawk V-Plus for desert landscapes, as the 1.3x compression provides more natural skin proportions in close-ups. In "The Batman" (2022), they were combined with digital sensors for consistent exposure in low-light scenes. The characteristic horizontal flare appears subtler than with 2x anamorphics, while the oval bokeh circles maintain the cinematic look. Typical workflows use these lenses for dialogue sequences and medium shot sizes where extreme distortion is undesirable.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to classic Hawk anamorphics (2x), V-Plus lenses offer less distortion during pans and more natural facial proportions. Atlas Orion 1.8x anamorphics provide a compromise between the two squeeze factors but are slower (T2.0-T2.8 variable). Zeiss Supreme Primes with 1.8x squeeze compete directly but offer a more clinical rendering. Cooke Anamorphic/i 1.8x lenses produce warmer skin tones but do not achieve the mechanical precision of Vantage lenses.