Comparison
Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 vs Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2
The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is a 58mm f/2 M42 lens made 1958-1992, valued at $25 to $130 used. The Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is a 57mm f/1.2 Konica AR lens made 1965-1970s, valued at $500 to $1,600 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 | Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 58 mm | 57 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/1.2 |
| Native mount | M42 | Konica AR |
| Production years | 1958-1992 | 1965-1970s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (Zeiss Biotar copy) | 7 elements / 6 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $55 | $850 |
| Value range | $25 to $130 | $500 to $1,600 |
| 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 Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 is 1.5 stops faster: f/1.2 against f/2.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $55 against $850, a gap of $795 (roughly 15.5x). Ranges: $25 to $130 versus $500 to $1,600.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is longer at 58mm against 57mm, a 1mm 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 1965 for the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 (1958-1992 versus 1965-1970s).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Konica AR, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 4 groups for the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2, 7 elements in 6 groups for the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 for the $795 lower typical price. Choose the Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 for the 1.5 stops of extra speed. 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.