Compare lenses

Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR vs Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF]

The Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR and the Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] side by side, computed from this guide's catalogue.

Which to pick

Pick the Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR if you want a brighter f/2.8 (1.0 stops more light), for dim light and softer backgrounds; a wider view (from 15mm equivalent); and coverage of full frame, so it suits the larger-sensor bodies too. Pick the Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF] if you want more reach (to 36mm equivalent); a design for APS-C, which usually means smaller and lighter; and a lighter lens (430 g against 1040 g).

Still torn? Ask the guide about the Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR and the Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF]

Specs side by side

Rows that differ are in full colour; the better value is marked where one is better by any measure.
Spec	Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR	Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF]
Maker	Pentax	Pentax
Focal length	15-30mm (zoom)	12-24mm (zoom)
Full-frame equivalent	15-30mm	18-36mm on APS-C
Maximum aperture	f/2.8brighter	f/4
Made for	Full frame	APS-C
Mounts	Pentax K	Pentax K
Stabilised	no	no
Autofocus	yes	yes
Zoom range	2.0×	2.0×
Weight	1040 g	430 glighter
Cameras it fits	20 in this guide	20 in this guide

Focal range, in full-frame terms

Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR: 15-30mm.

Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF]: 12-24mm on APS-C, like 18-36mm.

Aperture

Pentax HD D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR: f/2.8 wide open.

Pentax smc DA 12-24mm f/4 ED AL [IF]: f/4 wide open.

Each opening drawn to scale against f/1.4: a smaller f-number lets in more light and blurs the background more.

Field of view

How wide each sees, at each end, on the sensor it was made for.

Cameras they fit

20 cameras in this guide take both, so either works on the same body.