Quick answer
A Zeiss Jena 58mm f/2 in M42 mount from the Biotar family, the design that inspired the Helios lenses. It is known for swirly bokeh.
Pros
- Characterful bokeh
- Good build
- Easy to adapt
Cons
- Soft wide open
- Sample quality varies
Verdict
The original Biotar look. The Helios offers a similar rendering.
About this lens
This 58mm f/2 fast manual-focus standard prime lens from Carl Zeiss fits M42 mount cameras. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 specifications
- Brand
- Carl Zeiss
- Mount
- M42
- Focal length
- 58mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.0
- Lens type
- Prime
What can you shoot with the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2?
- Portraits
- Vintage look
- Adapted mirrorless shooting
Its fast maximum aperture helps in dim light and gives good subject separation.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor (adapted mount, so sensor size depends on your camera). Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 58mm | 34.5° | 40.9° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 87mm | 23.4° | 27.9° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 116mm | 17.6° | 21.1° |
Frequently asked questions
How does it differ from the Helios 44?
The Biotar is the original Zeiss design, and the Helios is a Soviet derivative.
Is the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2 sharp?
It is soft at f/2 and sharpens noticeably when stopped down, which is typical of this design.
Can I adapt it?
Yes. An M42 adapter lets you use it on most mirrorless cameras, focusing manually.
Alternatives for M42 from other brands
All M42 lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
