The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW 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. Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW is the longer of the two lenses at 117mm. The Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR with a length of 110mm, is 7mm 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 Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW's 84mm 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. Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW weighs 712g, which means it is 75g (9%) lighter than the Pentax D FA 24-70mm F2.8 ED SDM WR which has a weight of 787g.
Lens Mounts
The Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW has the Pentax KAF4 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 Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF4 Mount and Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount.
Focal Range
Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW has a focal range of 16-50mm and
3.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
24-75mm 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.
