[telegazz]

I don't have a kit lens for my k20d I am thinking of getting either a Pentax 18-55 WR lens or a SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm F4 I have a 55-300 to go with it and a Sigma 18-200 as a walkround lens any advice would be appreciated,

[Adam]

If you have a 18-200mm lens, I wouldn't get the kit lens. The 16-45mm, possibly, because it's got better IQ and would work well together with your 55-300mm. But between the kit and the Sigma, you won't be able to tell the difference.

Do you care about weather sealing at all? That's the only reason I see for getting the 18-55mm.

[StephenHampshire]

I have the 16-45 and 55-300 and never use my kit lens. I do have the WR version for shooting in the rain, but have just purchased the 18-135 as a replacement. My most used lens apart from the 16-45, which is very good, just a little CA wide open, is the Sigma 50-150 HSM (non OS), sadly no longer available

[RioRico]

My original kit with my K20D included the DA10-17, DA18-250, and FA50/1.4. I got the DA18-55 v1 a few months later (cheap!); I mostly use it as a test-bed for hanging filters and optical adapters, not as a serious optic on its own, not unless I just want to work within its limitations. I *do* plan to get the WR version before the next rainy season, so I'll have a lens for lousy weather.

And IMHO that's the best reason for owning a DA18-55WR: it's the least expensive way I know of to have a weatherized unit. Wrapping plastic bags around a camera+lens is expedient but not all that much fun. If I'm drenched in a storm or surf spray, or crawling in mud, or taking a white-water raft ride, I'll want the WR.

[tcbubbleleo]

I think all of the lenses you memetioned above, when use pop-up flash will cast shadows. The kit lens won't.

16-45 for sure, don't have 55-300, or Sigma 18-200. I have Sigma 18-250. That is the reason I have DA*16-50 and still use the kit from time to time, don't wanna put on the hot-shoe flash all the time!

[northcoastgreg]

If the choice is between the DA 16-45 and the DA 18-55 WR, then it is really a choice between IQ and WR. Personally, I've always had trouble keeping water off the front element of my standard lenses when confronted with wet situations, and thus have found WR to be not very useful with wide angle glass.

[jimr-pdx]

As others have said, if you need weather insurance the WR has that advantage. I hope the upcoming roadmap zoom will be a wr 18-200-ish, that would be my ideal zoom.

[tcbubbleleo]

the newer 18-135 is WR

[normhead]

If I'm drenched in a storm or surf spray, or crawling in mud, or taking a white-water raft ride, I'll want the WR.

Or if you get too close to my back yard when I'm watering the lawn with my garden hose.

I don't have a kit lens for my k20d I am thinking of getting either a Pentax 18-55 WR lens or a SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm F4 I have a 55-300 to go with it and a Sigma 18-200 as a walkround lens any advice would be appreciated

I'm planning a trip right now without the kit lens. My 18-135 is a much better "grab and shoot" option incorporating WR and the equivalent of 200mm FoV FF.. With my new body, a K-5, the K20D will have that lens on full time, and will be out in my boat. The K-5 will be packed in a waterproof case. And will come out when warranted. We're taking 3 bodies this trip and just can't find a place for the 18-55. I am seriously thinking of taking 2 of my 3 kits and trading them in. Even if I only get $25 each for them that will still be a nice credit towards something else. We'll keep the white one that goes with the white K-x.

[eddie1960]

If you can get the right price on a used 18-55WR it's a handy lens for the kit if you don't have other WR lenses. the 16-45 is better optically (but discontinued now AFAIK) the 17-70 would be a better option for iq and flexibility. or the 18-135 which is pretty good and WR and covers a wide enough range to be a good general purpose lens
I almost always shoot with primes but when i travel i always throw the 18-55 WR in the bag in case i hit a spell of bad weather. If my primes were weather sealed I'd sell it off.
I have a much better 24-70 2.8 for when i need the fast zoom with iq and if i'm caught in the rain with it i use the old plastic bag fall back

[bdery]

Do you care about weather sealing at all? That's the only reason I see for getting the 18-55mm.

That's the only (but very valid) reason to get the WR kit lens.

[slackercruster]

I like a kit lens with a cheap $150 body for a kick around cam that wont hurt much if it gets wrecked or stolen. Other than that I don't use the kit lens. My 'kit lens' is a 17-70.

[Ash]

G'day Gazz.
I ended up not keeping my kit lens given its limitations, so if you want a wide-normal lens with decent quality to it, either go for the DA 16-45 (if you can find one) or get yourself a Tamron 17-50. Neither of these lenses are weather sealed, though.

[telegazz]

Thanks everyone for the advise.
I think that I am going to wait till later in the year and see if Pentax is going to expand its range of WR lenses and if they are going to fix some of the other issues Warranty etc I only bought the Sigma recently for $210.00 au new with a 2 year warranty (Australian) you think Pentax would be able to match or beat that , the warranty that is . I think interesting times are ahead in the Pentax camp if they want to stay competitive.