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 Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM 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. Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 121mm. The Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW with a length of 117mm, is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, the Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM's 78mm 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 98g (12%) lighter than the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM which has a weight of 810g.
Filter Threads
The Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM:
Lens Mounts
The Pentax 16-50mm F2.8 ED PLM AW has the Pentax KAF4 lens mount whereas the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM has the Pentax KAF 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 KAF Mount.
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha, Sigma SA and Nikon F (DX) mounts.
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 Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM has a focal range of 18-35mm and 1.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 27-52.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
