Comparison
Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 vs Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm 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 Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm f/1.2 is a 58mm f/1.2 Minolta SR (MC) lens made 1966-1973, valued at $300 to $850 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 | Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm f/1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 58 mm | 58 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/1.2 |
| Native mount | M42 | Minolta SR (MC) |
| Production years | 1958-1992 | 1966-1973 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (Zeiss Biotar copy) | 7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $55 | $480 |
| Value range | $25 to $130 | $300 to $850 |
| 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 Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm 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 $480, a gap of $425 (roughly 8.7x). Ranges: $25 to $130 versus $300 to $850.
- Both are 58mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1958 against 1966 for the Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm f/1.2 (1958-1992 versus 1966-1973).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Minolta SR (MC), 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 5 groups for the Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm f/1.2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 for the $425 lower typical price. Choose the Minolta MC Rokkor-PG 58mm 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.
Full reference pages
Mount references: M42 and Minolta SR