Pentax 17-70mm Lens Comparison

Physical Comparison

Comparing both lenses on their physical attributes will be performed by considering the build quality, size, weight, handling, and general operation.

Size and Weight

Comparison

(The Sigma v2 lens was added afterwards to this composite image)

The three lenses are close regarding width and weight, but the Pentax and Sigma v2 lenses are longer by a good margin (14% and 7% respectively). Moreover, since the Sigma v1 lens body is narrower than the front, it gives the impression that it is much smaller. On the other hand, while it is slightly heavier than the Sigma v1, the Pentax lens feels lighter because of its larger size. The Sigma v2 is significantly heavier than both other lenses. All three lenses extend by almost exactly the same length when zooming to 70 mm.

Focus Adjustments

The Pentax lens is the only one offering an easy way to override AF. The quick-shift system is a proven and reliable system that really makes Pentax lenses stand out over Sigma. The Sigma v2 has a switch for MF/AF but the body must also be switched in order for the to work properly. Manual focus is equally easy (or difficult, given the short focus throw on each lens) but the focus rings of the Sigma lenses give better feedback. The fact that the Sigma v1 is only parfocal in some specific conditions can become annoying for a photographer relying on this attribute.

Build Quality

Build quality assertion is, to some extent, a subjective exercise. In this particular case, there isn’t much to distinguish between the three tested lenses. All three are very well made, with tight manufacturing tolerances and attention to details. Their physical designs are quite similar, and the comparison favours no lens decisively. The Sigma v2 might have the edge, because of the presence of the switches that give it a more advanced look. It must be noted that operating the zoom ring on the Sigma v1 when the lens is NOT mounted on a camera body produces a soft sound, like when gears are engaged. The sound is not heard when the lens is mounted. The Sigma v1’s focus ring also produces a low noise at all times when rotating. Operating the Pentax lens is virtually silent.


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