The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 70-180mm F2.8 and the Pentax FA 70-210mm F4 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. Pentax FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR is the longer of the two lenses at 175mm. The Nikon Z 70-180mm F2.8 with a length of 151mm, is 24mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon Z 70-180mm F2.8 has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Pentax FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR's 79mm 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 Z 70-180mm F2.8 weighs 795g, which means it is 24g (2%) lighter than the Pentax FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR which has a weight of 819g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon Z 70-180mm F2.8 and the Pentax FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR have the same Filter thread size of 67mm.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 70-180mm F2.8 has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Pentax FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR has the Pentax KAF4 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount and Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF4 Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 70-180mm F2.8 has a focal range of 70-180mm and
2.6X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 270mm.
On the other hand, the Pentax FA 70-210mm F4 ED SDM WR has a focal range of 70-210mm and 3.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 105-315mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
