I initially heard about the Helios 44-2 lens when my editor said it could be very good for the skin. It took four weeks to arrive and about 12 months before I had time to use it all day.
With full transparency, I’ve taken this lens to various photo shoots, but it’s not a fast lens and it gets in the way of productivity every time I take it out. Since I’m at Joshua Tree for a few days, I thought it might be the perfect time to try out the lenses.
What is the Helios 44-2 lens?
I was introduced to the Helios 44-2 as a budget-friendly, Soviet-era lens known for its unique “swirl” bokeh and high-contrast images. I was also told that it is great for softening the skin.
It may not be the best choice for everyone, as it may have some optical errors, such as soft corners and chromatic aberration. Even when I took the lens around Joshua Tree, I didn’t see much personality. I’m looking for a swirly bokeh effect. Yes, I love taking pictures with this lens and you can see all the images in the video, but I was wondering: “Okay, is that the swirling bokeh?”
I also noticed that after testing the lens with video, I noticed more about the distinctive personality of Helios. Although I could see the distinctive bokeh effect of the Helios lens in my photos, I was expecting a larger effect.
Helios for landscape photography?
The Helios 44-2 lens can be used for landscape photography, but its unique “swirl” bokeh may not be ideal for all landscape compositions. The lens has a relatively fast aperture (f/2), which can be useful in low light, but its wide aperture also increases the risk of lens flare and can reduce sharpness in the corners . You can see some lens flare, quite large, in the photos that I show in the video.
When using this lens for landscape photography, I recommend reducing the aperture to f/5.6 or f/8 for maximum sharpness and keeping in mind the possibility of chromatic aberration and flare glasses. Additionally, using a lens hood or covering the lens with your hand can help reduce flare.
Ultimately, whether the Helios 44-2 is suitable for landscape photography will depend on personal style and the intended outcome. Some photographers may appreciate the characteristics of the lens and use it to create unique landscapes with a vintage aesthetic, while others may prefer lenses with modern optics. larger for a clearer, sharper image.
