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Experiments with Swirly Bokeh - Helios 44-2


 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, the Helios lens could be used for introduction shots during macro sequences, drawing the viewers eye towards a subject in the middle. The soft, smudgy edges could be advantageous if used properly.


 On top of this, the Helios 44-2 is surprisingly competent at landscapes. At 58mm, it isn't a wide lens by any stretch of the imagination. However, when stopped down, the Helios looses its swirls and could be used for time-lapses and the like. I already own a cheap 28mm Samyang lens, and it seems the Helios 44-2 could compliment it fairly well.
 

 I feel it is important to note that the Helios 44-2 is a difficult lens to use. Not only is it fully manual, it wasn't designed with current mirrorless cameras in mind. It has two aperture rings, one which is clickless and is extremely sensitive, and the other is stiff, with clicks that don't want to budge. They are both at the front of the lens, in a really awkward location. On top of this, the focus ring turns over 270 degrees. Great for fine focus, terrible for practicability.
 
 I hope to use the Helios 44-2 in filming projects. Look out for the swirls in my future videos.
 
 If you are interested in this lens, I would recommend checking out the wonderful channel Simon's utak. Alternatively, you can see the lens being put through it's paces by Christopher Frost.


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