Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
What Buyers Say
Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
The Pentax HD D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR lens is widely praised as an exceptional value, delivering sharpness and clarity that rivals or exceeds more expensive zooms like the 24-70mm f/2.8. Users consistently highlight its compact size, light weight, weather resistance, and versatile focal range as ideal for travel and everyday photography on full-frame K-1 cameras. While a few note the variable aperture as a minor limitation, the consensus is that this lens punches far above its price point and is a no-brainer for Pentax shooters.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness for the price
- Compact and lightweight design
- Weather-resistant construction
- Versatile 28-105mm focal range
- Great value for money
Cons
- Variable aperture (f/3.5-5.6)
- Slightly narrow at wide end (28mm vs 24mm)
- Zoom ring requires slight effort
- No infinity focus indicator
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
The Tamron 28-300mm super-zoom wins praise for its lightweight design, versatile focal range, and solid image quality. Users appreciate the compact build and smooth zoom mechanism, but note the slow aperture and trade-offs in sharpness compared to more expensive zooms. Verified reviewers find it an ideal travel lens that pairs well with Sony bodies.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Versatile 28-300mm focal range
- Smooth zoom ring operation
- Compact build for travel
- Good integration with Sony bodies
Cons
- Small maximum aperture (f/4-7.1)
- Reduced sharpness vs. premium zooms
- Not an internal zoom lens
- Slow autofocus at high fps on some bodies
Scores
Specifications
| Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 28 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 105 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 20 |
| Groups | 11 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | — | 2★ |
| Coating | Super Protect & HD Multi-Layer Coatings | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | 22-32★ | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Pentax K | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.44 kg★ | 0.59 kg |
| Filter Thread | 62 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Supersonic Direct-Drive AF Motor | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 500 mm | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.55 | 1:2.8 |
Pros & Cons
Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
- Strong versatility (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Strong optical (69th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm
- Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
Pricing
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD 300mm offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
