In this review, we will be comparing Pentax 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR and Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM, two Standard 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.
What type of photography are the Pentax 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR and Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM lenses good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR and the Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
| Photography Type |
Pentax 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR |
Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM |
| Bird/Wildlife | Average | Average |
| Sports | Average | Good |
| Portrait | Good | Very Good |
| Travel | Good | Very Good |
| Street | Average | Good |
| Wedding | Good | Very Good |
| Walk Around | Good | Very Good |
| Vlogging | Fair | Fair |
| Landscape | Good | Good |
| Macro | Average | Average |
Size and Weight Comparison
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 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM weighs 485g, 0% (3g) lighter than the Pentax 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR's weight of 488g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Standard Zoom Lenses in Pentax KAF3 Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Zoom Lenses in Pentax KAF3 Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both Pentax 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR and Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM has the same Pentax KAF3 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Pentax KAF3 lenses are Pentax KF, Pentax K-3 III and Pentax KP.
Focal Range
Pentax 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR has a focal range of 16-85mm and 5.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24-127.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera. Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM has a focal range of 17-70mm and 4.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.5-105mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.