Comparison
Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 vs KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2
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. The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 is a 85mm f/2 M42 lens made 1950s-1980s, valued at $90 to $320 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 | KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.5 | f/2 |
| Native mount | M42 | M42 |
| Production years | 1970s-present | 1950s-1980s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Biotar-type Double Gauss | 7 elements / 3 groups, Sonnar |
| Typical used value | $170 | $160 |
| Value range | $90 to $350 | $90 to $320 |
| 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 0.8 stops faster: f/1.5 against f/2.
- The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $160 against $170, a gap of $10. Ranges: $90 to $320 versus $90 to $350.
- Both are 85mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1950 against 1970 for the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 (1950s-1980s versus 1970s-present).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 4 groups for the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5, 7 elements in 3 groups for the KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 for the 0.8 stops of extra speed. Choose the KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 for the $10 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