![]() ![]() The out-of-focus areas would still look nice though It is more difficult on an APS-C sensor, but still possible. The swirly bokeh effect comes out the best on a full-frame camera. You can see it when the image is on a full screen, but it isn’t noticeable on a tablet or a phone. Here the subject moved just a bit, and the nearest eye got a little out of focus. When I shoot a tight portrait – it is quite a challenge, a slight movement can get a person’s eye out of focus. ![]() If I shoot a scene a few meters away from me – I can focus reasonably fast. The shot made in Espoo archipelago, Finland. On this image, you can clearly see the swirly effect, but it doesn’t make the image better. Some people criticize Helioses swirly bokeh because it is too strong and takes attention from the subject. I decided that I only focus on subjects that stay in place. I use DSLR, which means no focus peaking. This is a manual focus lens, so getting things in focus can be quite challenging. Helios 44-2 swirly bokeh effect is achieved primarily with the aperture around f2-2.8. Out of focus areas and Helioses famous swirly bokeh And, some images just look cute in low-contrast. The wind was heavy, and because of Helioses swirly bokeh, it shows up in the photo. Imagine how it would look at snowstorm or heavy rain. The swirly effect can make extreme weather conditions look more dramatic. The similar processing was applied to both images. On Canon lens, the highlights got a little blown out, but on Helios 44-2 not. Here is a comparison with Canon 50mm 1.8 STM, taken with the same settings. With f2, I feel confident shooting at night. The shot is taken on a boat, during White Nights in St. Here are some examples: The light was weird… but I think the low-contrast image still looks fine. (for the vintage look, at daytime, I often prefer another soviet lens – Industar 50mm 3.5, it is wider and sharper in the corners) When I want to give to the image the low-contrast vintage look.When I feel like I can benefit from the swirly bokeh.For adding an additional accent to the subject in the center.Low contrast portraits, including portraits in low light.I carry my Helios in my bag most of the time and I personally like using it for several cases: ![]() I think Helios 44-2 can be a good addition to any interchangeable lens camera travel kit. Travel photographers have a lot of freedom in selecting the tools, compared to photographers specializing in one thing. Basically anything, that can bring an atmosphere of a remote location. Travel photography is a bit of everything, street, landscape, portraits, documentary. Helios 44-2 review for travel photography They sort of surround the subject in the center and make it stand out. F2 aperture allows shooting in low light. NOTE: 44-2 is the model number, the focal length is 58mm, f2 A late summer evening in Finland. In this post, I talk about Helios 44-2 since it is the most popular modification and that is the one I have the most experience with. Out-of-focus areas look unusual and swirly effect adds additional accent to the subject in the center. Lack of sharpness hides skin imperfections (when modern sharp lenses may emphasize them). ![]() These qualities made it popular for portraits. People love it mostly for its swirly bokeh and low contrast. Helios 44 is extremely popular because of its low price and strong character. But the image you get has some interesting, different look. The vintage lenses don’t have image quality as modern ones, they may have some optical imperfections and are optimized for the film. As soon as you use some sort of non-ordinary equipment – your photos stand out. Well, most of the people shoot with popular cameras and lenses, as a result, the images look similar. I would really appreciate hearing your feedback, it would help to develop this review further. This is my first gear review, and it is about the product I really love using. Instead, I will share my thoughts about the gear and what it can add to your travel photography. Professional reviewers have time, resources and the audience for that. It is not a “classic” review about specs and sharpness (etc.). Many of my readers are here because of travel photography, so I decided to start making posts about photo gear. Out of focus areas and Helioses famous swirly bokeh. ![]()
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