[bluefoam]

If I was to purchase the K50 now, what would you recommend, the dual lens kit with 18-55mm & 50-200mm or the single lens kit with 18-135mm?

I have read that the 18-135 lens is great, but the dual lens kit gives you more options and its about $200 cheaper...

Amazon.com: Pentax K-50 16MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with DA L 18-55mm WR f3.5-5.6 and 50-200mm WR Lenses (White): PENTAX: Camera & Photo
Amazon.com: Pentax K-50 16MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with DA 18-135mm WR f3.5-5.6 Lens (White): Camera & Photo

What is the best option for a newbie who has no legacy lenses to suplement their collection?

[Yos]

This is always a tricky question to answer.
Everyone thinks different. But when I bought my K-r w/ 18-55 and 55-300 I usually only brought one lens. It was much later when I got into photography that I started to carry a few lenses with me. My solution at that time was to buy a Tamron 18-200mm so I only needed one lens.
I think the standard answer is that the IQ is much better on the 18-135mm and much more quite zoom.
Imho I think in the long run you will benefit most to get the 18-135mm. But I know, 200 Usd is 200 Usd...
Not sure if this rant helped you at all. I am sure more people will give better advice.
*Need more coffee*
Cheers
Yos

[twitch]

18-135 is worth it IMHO. It's a pita changing lenses at 55mm

[Tonto]

My opinion is go the 18-135, as it is WR and covers wide to tight portrait you will always have a use for it.
The 55-200 isn't the best rated lens and most people go for the 55-300 instead, that and the kits have no resale value.

[hcc]

+1 for the DA18-135mm.

I take of a lot dynamic shots incl. sports. I often do not have time to swap quickly lenses, and I may need to be light (to move quickly, incl. running).

I prefer to carry a simple system: 1 body + 1 lens. In some instances, I carry a prime. However, more than often, I take a DA18-135mm or the DA18-250mm.

My 5 cents...

[Docrwm]

18-135
WR
No changing at 55
Better IQ
Less bulk
Simpler
1 hood to keep up with
Silent

[seventysixersfan]

The dual lens kit that is bundled with the new k-50 is the new WR DA-L models. So, the OP would get WR lenses either way.

I agree with the trend of recommending the da 18-135 but one consideration in favor of the 18-55 and 50-200 option is that those two lenses, individually, are lighter than the 18-135. So you may want to factor in weight considerations.

[JimJohnson]

I'll take the weight of the 18-135. I sold my K-r, 18-55 & 50-200 and purchased a used K-30, 18-135. Best decision I have made in a long time.

Particularly at big family events like weddings, it felt like the next shot needed to be on the other side of the 50/55mm boundary. Interchangeable lenses are great - unless you are doing it continuously. And you run the risk of introducing crud to your camera body with every lens change. Prior to the 18-135, my solution was to purchase a used Pentax F35-70. And that's another gem in hiding. I've learned my lesson - your collection of zoom lenses should have an ample overlap.

[Docrwm]

The dual lens kit that is bundled with the new k-50 is the new WR DA-L models. So, the OP would get WR lenses either way.

I agree with the trend of recommending the da 18-135 but one consideration in favor of the 18-55 and 50-200 option is that those two lenses, individually, are lighter than the 18-135. So you may want to factor in weight considerations.

I keep fogetting that Pentax is now including WR versions of the two kit lenses. That is MUCH better IMHO when the camera is WR.

[schnitzer79]

also agree on the 18-135mm. thats the one I went for also and dont regret it. swapping lenses is a nightmare, especially when ur abroad on holiday.

[IchabodCrane]

I keep fogetting that Pentax is now including WR versions of the two kit lenses. That is MUCH better IMHO when the camera is WR.

Unfortunately, one can only change lenses in an environment where weather resistance is not needed.

[hcc]

Unfortunately, one can only change lenses in an environment where weather resistance is not needed.

+1. This is a very important point in harsh conditions and too often ignored.

I work nearly 50% in harsh to very harsh environments, and lens swap is a no-no. I use also a 1-Body+1-lens system, most often with the DA18-135mm or DA18-250mm, or a prime (often my Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4).

PS: I know that the DA18-250mm and are not labelled WR. Both were produced before the WR marketing 'trick' and both are very very sturdy lenses. See a number of PF discussion threads for example.

[normhead]

Another vote for the 18-135, the difference between 135 and 200 is minimal... now if you were talking the 55-300 with the 18-135, that'd be different. I always look for at least double the focal length for my next step up.I have the 18-135 and DA* 60-250, but I often wonder if the 18-135 and DA* 300 wouldn't have been the ultimate 1-2 punch.

[Esky]

I had the same decision to make last year when I bought my K30. I went with 18-135 with no regrets. Good IQ, functional zoom range, great walk around all purpose lens, It's also SDM I'm not 100% but think both those kit lenses are screw drive, not necessarily a huge factor, but a nice to have, quiet and quick IMHO.

Good luck

[Docrwm]

I had the same decision to make last year when I bought my K30. I went with 18-135 with no regrets. Good IQ, functional zoom range, great walk around all purpose lens, It's also SDM I'm not 100% but think both those kit lenses are screw drive, not necessarily a huge factor, but a nice to have, quiet and quick IMHO.

Good luck

Both kit lenses are screw drive. BTW, the 18-135 is NOT SDM, but Pentax's "lower quality" silent motor that doesn't break like the "higher quality" SDM drives.