The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM and the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR 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 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM is the longer of the two lenses at 94mm. The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR with a length of 86mm, is 8mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM's 75mm 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. Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR weighs 480g, 1% (5g) lighter than the Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM's weight of 485g.
Filter Threads
The Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR:
Lens Mounts
The Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount whereas the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are , and for the Pentax KAF3 Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Focal Range
Pentax 17-70mm F4.0 AL SDM has a focal range of 17-70mm and
4.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
25.5-105mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a focal range of 16-80mm and 5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24-120mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
