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Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE vs Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF

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Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE

Standard Zoom | Pentax KAF3

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
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Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD

Standard Zoom | Pentax KAF

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF
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Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE vs Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE and Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD, two Standard Zoom lenses from Pentax and Tamron.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Key Specs

  • 18-50mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 58mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Pentax KAF3 Mount
  • Weight: 158g.
  • Diameter: 41mm
  • Length: 71mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.3m
  • Max Magnification:0.23x

Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD Key Specs

  • 17-50mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format:
  • Pentax KAF Mount
  • Weight: 430g.
  • Diameter: 74mm
  • Length: 82mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.27m
  • Max Magnification:0.22x

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD is the longer of the two lenses at 82mm. The Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE with a length of 71mm is 11mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD also has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE's 41mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE weighs 158g, which means it is 272g (172%) lighter than the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD which has a weight of 430g.


Lens Mounts

Both Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD has the Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Pentax K-3 III, Pentax KP and Pentax K-70 for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Pentax K-3 III, Pentax KP and Pentax K-70 for the Pentax KAF Mount.

Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (DX) and Sony Alpha mounts.

Focal Range

Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE has a focal range of 18-50mm and 2.8X zoom ratio which has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD has a focal range of 17-50mm and 2.9X zoom ratio which has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 25.5-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.

Reasons to choose Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE over Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF

Weight 158g vs 430g 272g lighter
Diameter 41mm vs 74mm 33mm smaller in diameter
Length 71mm vs 82mm 11mm shorter
Filter Thread 58mm vs 67mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Max Magnification 0.23x vs 0.22x higher magnification better for close-up shots
Reasons to choose Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF over Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE
Focal Length - Wide 17mm vs 18mm 1mm Wider coverage
Optical Zoom 2.90x vs 2.80x More flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at tele end
Focus Type Internal Focusing vs Extending front Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Minimum Focus Distance 0.27m vs 0.3m can focus closer to the subject
Common Weaknesses of Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE and Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Internal Zoom No vs No Length of the lens changes during zooming



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Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE vs Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Pentax DA 18-50mm F4.5-5.6 DC WR RE Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD
Brand Pentax Tamron
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Standard Zoom Standard Zoom
Lens Mount Pentax KAF3 Pentax KAF
Max Format APS-C / DX APS-C / DX
Focal Range 18-50mm 17-50mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black, white Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No -
Zoom Lock No Yes
Zoom Ratio 2.8X 2.9X
Aperture
Max Aperture F4.0 - F5.6 F2.8
Min Aperture F22.0 - F32.0 F32.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 7 7
Optics
Optical Elements 11 16
Optical Groups 8 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.3m 0.27m
Max Magnification 0.23X 0.22X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Micromotor Micromotor
Full Time Manual No
Focus Method Extending front Internal
Distance Scale No Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale No Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 158g 430g
Diameter 41mm 74mm
Length 71mm 82mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread 58mm 67mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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