The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR and the PENTAX28-105mm F3.5-5.6 WR 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. PENTAX28-105mm F3.5-5.6 WR is the longer of the two lenses at 87mm. The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR with a length of 86mm, is 1mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the PENTAX28-105mm F3.5-5.6 WR's 73mm 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. PENTAX28-105mm F3.5-5.6 WR weighs 440g, 8% (40g) lighter than the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR's weight of 480g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a filter size of 72mm whereas the PENTAX28-105mm F3.5-5.6 WR has a 62mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the PENTAX28-105mm F3.5-5.6 WR:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the PENTAX28-105mm F3.5-5.6 WR has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a focal range of 16-80mm and
5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
24-120mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the PENTAX28-105mm F3.5-5.6 WR has a focal range of 28-105mm and 3.8X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 42 - 157.5mm.