Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR vs Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Pentax

HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

Tamron

SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)

Verdict at a glance

Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR goes wider (15mm vs 17mm).
Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) reaches further (50mm vs 30mm).

Specification comparison
Spec	HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR	SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)
Brand	Pentax	Tamron
Mount	Pentax K	Pentax K
Type	Wide Zoom	Zoom
Focal length	15-30mm (wider)	17-50mm
Max aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8
Weight g	1040	n/a
Length mm	144.0	n/a
Diameter mm	99.0	n/a
Min focus m	0.28	0.27 (closer focusing)
Format	n/a	aps-c
Filter mm	n/a	67

Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

A full-frame ultra-wide zoom for Pentax with a constant f/2.8 aperture, SDM focusing and weather resistance. It weighs about 1,040 g.

Pros

Constant f/2.8
SDM autofocus
Weather resistant
Close focus 0.28 m

Cons

Bulbous front element
No front filter thread
Heavy at about 1,040 g

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF)

A popular APS-C standard zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture, much used on Pentax bodies with in-body stabilization. It has a 67mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of 0.27 m.

Pros

Constant f/2.8
Compact 67mm filter size
Constant aperture with in-body stabilization support
Works with Pentax in-body stabilization

Cons

APS-C only
No weather sealing
Plastic build

More comparisons for Pentax HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

Compare other lenses or browse our best-of guides.