The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 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. PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR is the longer of the two lenses at 144mm. The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II with a length of 112mm, is 32mm shorter. Besides being longer, the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR also has a larger diameter of 99mm compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II's 88mm 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. Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II weighs 547g, which means it is 493g (47%) lighter than the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR which has a weight of 1040g.
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has the Sony E lens mount whereas the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR has the Pentax KAF3 lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Pentax K-3 III Mono, Pentax KF and Pentax K-3 III for the Pentax KAF3 Mount.
Focal Range
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM 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.
On the other hand, the PENTAX15-30mm F2.8 ED WR has a focal range of 15-30mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 22.5 - 45mm.
