I bought a cheap ($49) Harbor Freight auto-dark helmet when I got my Lincoln 185 Tig. The prices for the helmets vary so much, I wasn't sure what I wanted or really needed. I finally got tired of it and bought a real helmet.
I got a Miller Elite model and it's worth every penny. I paid $280 for it at a local welding supply and only wish I'd bought it sooner.
It's much more comfortable and the big window is great for out-of-position welding. The adjustments are far better than the HF. The HF tended to flicker at low amp settings.
THE BEST PART IS THAT I CAN SEE. I can't see to weld with my regular glasses with progressive (bi-focal) lens. I've tried reading glasses and the helmet correction lenses. I weld best with no glasses and with the Miller helmet it is much, much better.
