Originally posted by Ash Good series.
The B&W treatments are well done - these would be my favourites here, and #3 seems to be beautifully rendered too.
The Helios seems to render the bokeh rather harshly in these images, and apart from the more pleasant result in the last one, the rest seem to have their subjects intruded by this busy background.
I agree re: #3 - gorgeous tones!
And yes, the Helios bokeh is a bit chunky. Which is one aspect so many love about it - myself and the OP included.
I see your point though. Since these particular sculptures are so highly textured, there's not much of a visual "break" between subject and background. Maybe that's why photo #3 stands out - the surface of the subject is smoother.
My .02...