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Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM vs Pentax smc Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited

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

Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM

Pentax

smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM

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Pentax smc Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited

Pentax

smc Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited

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Verdict at a glance

  • Pentax smc Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited is faster by 1.3 stops (f/1.8 vs f/2.8), letting in more light.
  • Pentax smc Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited is lighter by 215g.
  • Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM goes wider (16mm vs 31mm).
  • Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM reaches further (50mm vs 31mm).
Specification comparison
Spec smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM smc Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited
Brand Pentax Pentax
Mount Pentax K Pentax K
Type Zoom Prime
Focal length 16-50mm (wider) 31mm
Max aperture f/2.8 f/1.8 (faster)
Format aps-c full-frame
Weight g 565 350 (lighter)
Filter mm 77 58
Length mm 99.0 69.0
Diameter mm 84.0 66.0
Min focus m 0.3 0.3
Blades n/a 9
Groups n/a 7
Af motor n/a screw-drive
Elements n/a 9
Max magnification n/a 0.16

Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM

A constant f/2.8 standard zoom for Pentax APS-C bodies, with SDM focusing. It weighs about 565 g and takes 77mm filters.

Pros

  • Constant f/2.8
  • SDM autofocus
  • Weather-resistant build
  • 77mm filters

Cons

  • APS-C only
  • SDM motors in some units have failed with age
  • No lens stabilization

Pentax smc Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited

A celebrated wide-normal prime in Pentax's FA Limited trio. It covers full-frame film and digital.

Pros

  • Excellent rendering
  • All-metal build
  • Full-frame coverage

Cons

  • Not weather-sealed
  • Limited availability

More comparisons for Pentax smc DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM

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