The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR and the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF is the longer of the two lenses at 111mm. The Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR with a length of 110mm, is 1mm shorter. On the other hand, the Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF's 86mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF weighs 755g, 4% (32g) lighter than the Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR's weight of 787g.
Lens Mounts
The Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Focal Range
Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR has a focal range of 24-70mm and
2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 105mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has a focal range of 17-55mm and 3.2X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.5-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
