The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF and the Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM 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. 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, which means it is 32g (4%) lighter than the Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR which has a weight of 787g.
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM 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 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.
On the other hand, the 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.
