The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED and the Pentax DA 200mm F2.8 ED 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 DA 300mm F4.0 ED is the longer of the two lenses at 184mm. The Pentax DA 200mm F2.8 ED with a length of 134mm, is 50mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 83mm.
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 DA 200mm F2.8 ED weighs 825g, 22% (245g) lighter than the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED's weight of 1070g.
Filter Threads
Both the Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED and the Pentax DA 200mm F2.8 ED 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 DA 300mm F4.0 ED has the Pentax KAF2 lens mount whereas the Pentax DA 200mm F2.8 ED has the Pentax KAF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are , and for the Pentax KAF2 Mount and Pentax K-3 III Monochrome, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF Mount.
Focal Range
Pentax DA 300mm F4.0 ED is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 300mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
450mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Pentax DA 200mm F2.8 ED is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 200mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.