The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL and the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II 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. Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II is the longer of the two lenses at 114mm. The Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL with a length of 84mm, is 30mm shorter. On the other hand, the Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II's 83mm 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 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL weighs 430g, which means it is 442g (50%) lighter than the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II which has a weight of 872g.
Filter Threads
Both the Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL and the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II 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 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL has the Pentax KAF lens mount whereas the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II has the Sony Alpha 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 KAF Mount and Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Focal Range
Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL has a focal range of 12-24mm and
2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
18-36mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II has a focal range of 16-35mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24 - 52.5mm.
