Helios 44-2 58mm Red

Praised by Experts

• ✓Professional reviewers highlight the lens’s excellent center sharpness at f/2, outperforming many vintage lenses.
• ✓The long 270°‑275° focus throw is praised for providing precise manual focus control in cinematic applications.
• ✓Reviewers commend the distinctive swirling “cat‑eye” bokeh that creates unique artistic rendering.
• ✓The vintage flares and dreamy rendering are noted as valuable creative tools for filmmakers and photographers.
• ✓Affordable price combined with manual control is seen as a strong value proposition for independent creators.

Criticized by Experts

• ✗Professionals note the lens is prone to strong lens flares that can wash out contrast in side‑lighting situations.
• ✗Reviewers point out a slight loss of contrast and noticeable vignetting when shooting wide open at f/2.
• ✗The soft edges and lack of edge‑to‑edge sharpness at wide apertures are considered a limitation for technical work.
• ✗Diffraction becomes apparent at very small apertures, limiting usable aperture range to around f/5.6‑f/8.
• ✗Some reviewers mention the unusual 58 mm focal length may be less versatile for standard portrait framing.