Comparison
Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 vs Helios 44-2 58mm f/2
The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 is a 58mm f/2 M42 lens made 1936-1960, valued at $120 to $550 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 | Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 | Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2 |
| Native mount | M42 | M42 |
| Production years | 1936-1960 | 1958-1992 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (original Biotar design) | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (Zeiss Biotar copy) |
| Typical used value | $230 | $55 |
| Value range | $120 to $550 | $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
- Both open to f/2, so neither has a speed advantage.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $55 against $230, a gap of $175 (roughly 4.2x). Ranges: $25 to $130 versus $120 to $550.
- Both are 58mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1936 against 1958 for the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 (1936-1960 versus 1958-1992).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Both use 6 elements in 4 groups.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 wins on the $175 lower typical price, and the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 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.
Full reference pages
Mount references: M42