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Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR vs Pentax smc DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL IF

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PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR

Wideangle Zoom | Pentax KAF3

HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR
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Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL

Wideangle Zoom | Pentax KAF

Pentax smc DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL IF
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR vs Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR and Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL, two Wideangle Zoom lenses by Pentax.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR Key Specs

  • 15-30mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Pentax KAF3 Mount
  • Weight: 1040g.
  • Diameter: 99mm
  • Length: 144mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.2x

Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL Key Specs

  • 12-24mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Pentax KAF Mount
  • Weight: 430g.
  • Diameter: 88mm
  • Length: 84mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.3m
  • Max Magnification:0.12x

What type of photography are the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR and Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR and the Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitFairFair
TravelAverageGood
StreetAverageGood
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundAverageGood
VloggingGoodVery Good
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good
MacroFairPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR is the longer of the two lenses at 144mm. The Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL with a length of 84mm is 60mm shorter. Besides being longer, the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR also has a larger diameter of 99mm compared to Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL's 88mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL weighs 430g, 58% (610g) lighter than the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR's weight of 1040g.


Lens Mounts

Both PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL has the Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax KF, Pentax K-3 III and Pentax K-1 II for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Pentax KF, Pentax K-3 III and Pentax KP for the Pentax KAF Mount.

Focal Range

PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR has a focal range of 15-30mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 22.5 - 45mm.
Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL has a focal range of 12-24mm and 2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 18-36mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.

Reasons to choose HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR over Pentax smc DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL IF

Focal Length - Tele 30mm vs 24mm 6mm more Tele coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 8 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Max Sensor Coverage 35mm FF vs APS-C / DX covers larger sensors
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 0.28m vs 0.3m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.2x vs 0.12x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Pentax smc DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL IF over HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

Focal Length - Wide 12mm vs 15mm 3mm Wider coverage
Weight 430g vs 1040g 610g lighter
Diameter 88mm vs 99mm 11mm smaller in diameter
Length 84mm vs 144mm 60mm shorter

Common Strengths of HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR and Pentax smc DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL IF
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Common Weaknesses of HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR and Pentax smc DA 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL IF
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR vs Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Pentax Pentax
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Wideangle Zoom
Lens Mount Pentax KAF3 Pentax KAF
Max Format 35mm FF APS-C / DX
Focal Range 15-30mm 12-24mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No -
Zoom Lock - -
Zoom Ratio 2.0X 2.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F4.0
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 8
Optics
Optical Elements 18 13
Optical Groups 13 11
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.28m 0.3m
Max Magnification 0.2X 0.12X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic Screw drive from camera
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Yes Unknown
DoF Scale Unknown Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Unknown
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 1040g 430g
Diameter 99mm 88mm
Length 144mm 84mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread Unknown 77mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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