Comparison
Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 vs Helios 44-2 58mm f/2
The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is a 55mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1958-1971, valued at $35 to $130 used. The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is a 58mm f/2 M42 lens made 1958-1992, valued at $25 to $130 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 | Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 55 mm | 58 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/2 |
| Native mount | M42 | M42 |
| Production years | 1958-1971 | 1958-1992 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (Zeiss Biotar copy) |
| Typical used value | $70 | $55 |
| Value range | $35 to $130 | $25 to $130 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is 0.3 stops faster: f/1.8 against f/2.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $55 against $70, a gap of $15. Ranges: $25 to $130 versus $35 to $130.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is longer at 58mm against 55mm, a 3mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- Production of both began around 1958 (1958-1971 and 1958-1992).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 5 groups for the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8, 6 elements in 4 groups for the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 for the 0.3 stops of extra speed. Choose the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 for the $15 lower typical price. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.
Full reference pages
Mount references: M42