The $50 HF auto dark helmets are very good buys and highly rated. Mine is 4 years old and works great.
Most new welders forget that they still need plenty of light. The arc alone is not enough. Get a good halogen light on a stand and use it... it will help you see before the ark is struck (the helmets are still kinda dark even before they activate) and you will be able to see your lines/seam much better.
Bonus that the auto dark helmet will activate if you accidentally look at the halogen light.
