The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Pentax DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED and the Pentax 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR 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 50-135mm F2.8 ED is the longer of the two lenses at 136mm. The Pentax 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR with a length of 80mm, is 56mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Pentax DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Pentax 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR's 69mm 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 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR weighs 285g, 58% (400g) lighter than the Pentax DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED's weight of 685g.
Filter Threads
The Pentax DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Pentax 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR has a 49mm 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 DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED:
And these are the 49mm filters that we recommend for the Pentax 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR:
Lens Mounts
The Pentax DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED has the Pentax KAF2 lens mount whereas the Pentax 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR 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 Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF Mount.
Focal Range
Pentax DA 50-135mm F2.8 ED has a focal range of 50-135mm and
2.7X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
75-202.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Pentax 50-200mm F4-5.6 ED WR has a focal range of 50-200mm and 4.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 75-300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
