The earliest versions were just "-44", later they acquired the additional -2, -3, -4 etc up to -7, the latter is supposed to be the highest resolution version and normally commands highest prices, however sample variation is likely to be more significant with soviet lenses! This page reviews the 44-2 - probably the most common version. I promise you that.The Helios 44 (-x) is the standard, fast, 58mm lens typically found as the kit prime on the Zenit-series russian SLRs. So if you can, get this lens, and you won’t regret it. I don’t really have anything bad about this lens other than, given its peculiar focal length of 58mm, it becomes an 87mm semi-telephoto lens when paired with APS-C bodies. I have stated that it’s my personal favorite, bar none, so I’ll give you the score upfront:įor a lens that could be bought for as cheap as $50, Helios 44-2 punches above its weight in almost every aspect. Combined that with the native film-like rendering, even when used in digital bodies and you’ll produce some unique shots in no time. For instance, it’s well-known for its ‘swirly bokeh’ effect. Though constantly hailed as one of the most mass-produced lenses, Helios is - for lack of a better word - a stunning performer. One last thing I would like to point out is the aesthetics. If the bokeh looks a tad dirty, that’s probably dust accumulating inside. Just look at the photo below! Bokeh performance at night is also more than acceptable. Sharpness-wise, it does not compare to a newer lens, but I find the sun stars produced by the lens extremely appealing. So far, I have often been integrating Helios into my city-night shots. The lens creates a very creamy background, given the right distance, as you can see in the photos below. Keep it away from the sun (which would even trouble modern lenses), and you’ll be fine. First, even when wide open at aperture f2, the contrast is rather sharp. Though I do believe when it comes to obtaining vintage lenses, your luck plays a big role, and I am glad to say that the copy I own is perfect. I have nothing but good things to say about the image quality. Perhaps 58mm has something to do with the production method or other technical reasons, but I have not found any reason for that particular number, so if you have something to add, give me a holler. Usually, the kit lens would be either the ‘nifty-fifty’ 50mm or 55mm. One thing I want to mention is the rather unusual focal length of 58mm since. But on the contrary, for me, it’s as fast as my f1.4 Pentax lens. Helios has the maximum aperture of f2, which would probably make you think it’s pretty ‘slow’. Check out this short video below that I shot using Helios. Combined with its super smooth, super long focus throw and you have a winning recipe for a handy lens for videos. It’s clickless! While some people would prefer lenses that make clicks when choosing an aperture, being clickless is one of Helios’s allures. Now here come my favorite parts of the lens, the aperture ring. I like how the front element of the lens is hidden quite deeply, making a semi-hood,’ which is good for protecting the lens from renegade lights. A common trait of older lenses, the build is full-metal and thus feels very solid and weighty even though the lens itself is rather small. Helios 44-2 was a prime lens that served as the kit lens for the Russian-made Zenit SLR series using the ubiquitous M42 mount, which was in production from the 1950s until the 1990s. As always, I’m not going into technicalities, but I will state opinions based on my experience in the field. This lens is, to me, everything I could ever hope for from a camera lens. This time I would like to review an all-time personal favorite vintage lens of mine, the incredible Helios 44-2 58m f/2. So it has been a while since my last lens review article in March.
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