Comparison
Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC vs Helios 44-2 58mm f/2
The Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC is a 55mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1972-1978, valued at $50 to $170 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 | Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC | 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 | 1972-1978 | 1958-1992 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss, EBC multi-coating | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (Zeiss Biotar copy) |
| Typical used value | $95 | $55 |
| Value range | $50 to $170 | $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 Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC 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 $95, a gap of $40 (roughly 1.7x). Ranges: $25 to $130 versus $50 to $170.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is longer at 58mm against 55mm, a 3mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1958 against 1972 for the Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC (1958-1992 versus 1972-1978).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 5 groups for the Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC, 6 elements in 4 groups for the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Fujinon 55mm f/1.8 EBC for the 0.3 stops of extra speed. Choose the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 for the $40 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