Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
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
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
The Panasonic 8-18mm f/2.8-4 lens is highly praised for its excellent image quality, sharpness, and build. Users appreciate its compact size, light weight, and the ability to use screw-on filters, which is a key advantage over some competitors. While a few users noted it is pricey and one had sharpness issues on an Olympus body, the overwhelming majority recommend it for landscapes, interiors, and travel photography.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Sharp and crisp
- Compact and lightweight
- Accepts screw-on filters
- Weather-sealed
Cons
- Pricey
- Variable aperture
- No OIS
- Sharpness issues on some Olympus bodies
- Slight distortion at 8mm
Scores
Specifications
| Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR | Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 28 mm | 8 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 105 mm | 18 mm |
| Elements | 15 | 15 |
| Groups | 11 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 4★ |
| ED Elements | — | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Protect & HD Multi-Layer Coatings | Nano Surface Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | 22-32★ | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | 2.8-4 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Pentax K | Micro Four Thirds |
| Format | full-frame★ | micro-four-thirds |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.44 kg | 0.31 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 62 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Supersonic Direct-Drive AF Motor | 240-fps autofocus drive |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 500 mm | 230 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.55★ | 0.12x |
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)
Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4
- Strong optical (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
Pricing
Pentax D FA 28-105MM F3.5-5.6ED DC WR offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 21 specs.
