Amy King Wildlife

  Trying out a new lens is always exciting, especially when the glass is as unique as the Helios 44-2. This optical marvel was mass-produced in the USSR, and is probably best known for it's unique swirly bokeh, having a beautiful twirly blur. So when I was given a copy for my 20th Birthday, I knew I had to test it out immediately.   RSPB Pulborough Brooks  is a prime location for wildlife photography, with an array of habitats to explore. On a bitter December day, with only the Helios on my camera, I went to the reserve with the aim of capturing the elusive swirly bokeh.  The trip reinforced what I had read online. Getting swirly bokeh isn't particularly difficult with the right background. I found that branches look great with the Helios 44-2, giving a holloway effect.  The lens is particularly sharp at the centre, which combined with a minimum focusing distance of 50cm, it could prove a useful companion to my current 100mm macro lens from Laowa. Specifically, ...