The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED and the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 LD 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 D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED is the longer of the two lenses at 203mm. The Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 LD with a length of 194mm, is 9mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED also has a larger diameter of 92mm compared to the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 LD's 90mm 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. Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 LD weighs 1330g, 24% (425g) lighter than the Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED's weight of 1755g.
Filter Threads
Both the Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED and the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 LD have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Pentax D FA 70-200mm F2.8ED has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 LD has the Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF Mount.
Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 LD is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (FX) and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
70-200mm and the fastest aperture of
F2.8.