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 Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL 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 FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is the longer of the two lenses at 112mm. The Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL with a length of 84mm, is 28mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 88mm.
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, 21% (117g) lighter than the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II's weight of 547g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Pentax 12-24mm F4.0 ED AL has the Pentax KAF 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 KAF 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 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.
