Comparison
Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. vs Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5
The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is a 85mm f/1.8 Canon FD lens made 1974-1990s, valued at $100 to $340 used. The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is a 85mm f/1.5 M42 lens made 1970s-present, valued at $90 to $350 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. | Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.5 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | M42 |
| Production years | 1974-1990s | 1970s-present |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss | 6 elements / 4 groups, Biotar-type Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $180 | $170 |
| Value range | $100 to $340 | $90 to $350 |
| 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 Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is 0.5 stops faster: f/1.5 against f/1.8.
- The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is cheaper. Typical used value is $170 against $180, a gap of $10. Ranges: $90 to $350 versus $100 to $340.
- Both are 85mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is the older design; production began around 1970 against 1974 for the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. (1970s-present versus 1974-1990s).
- They use different mounts, Canon FD and M42, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Both use 6 elements in 4 groups.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 wins on the 0.5 stops of extra speed and the $10 lower typical price, and the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.