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Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR vs Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED

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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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Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED

Wideangle Zoom | Pentax KAF2

Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR vs Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR and Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED, two Wideangle Zoom lenses from Pentax and Samsung.

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

Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED Key Specs

  • 12-24mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Pentax KAF2 Mount
  • Weight: 430g.
  • Diameter: 84mm
  • Length: 88mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.3m
  • Max Magnification:0.12x

What type of photography are the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR and Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED 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 Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED
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 Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED with a length of 88mm is 56mm shorter. Besides being longer, the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR also has a larger diameter of 99mm compared to Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED's 84mm 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. Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED 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 Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED has the Pentax KAF2 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 , and for the Pentax KAF2 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.
Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED 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 Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED

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 Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED 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 84mm vs 99mm 15mm smaller in diameter
Length 88mm vs 144mm 56mm shorter

Common Strengths of HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR and Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED
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 Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED
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 Samsung D-Xenon 12-24mm F4 ED Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Pentax Samsung
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Wideangle Zoom
Lens Mount Pentax KAF3 Pentax KAF2
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 Yes
Distance Scale Yes Unknown
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 1040g 430g
Diameter 99mm 84mm
Length 144mm 88mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread Unknown 77mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Unknown
Hood Code Unknown SCH-177
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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