[NaClH2O]

With some really quick math, and using the Google currency converter I come up with a K-5/18-135 combo at about $1775.
1699 eur to usd = $2216
2216 *.8 (to compensate for VAT) = $1772

NaCl( I'm going to have to learn to love peanut butter sandwiches)H2O

[Fogel70]

B&H pricing of K-7 is different than my experience, maybe B&H has a big stock of K-7 bodies they want to sell before K-5 arrives?

But, that entry level cameras can be sold cheaper with kit lens than body only is not unusual, probably because body only is sold in much lower volumes for entry level cameras.

[gazonk]

According to digitalkamera.de: Pentax präsentiert das abgedichtete DA 3.5-5.6 18-135 mm WR

Min focus: 0.4 m (1:4.2)
Size: 76 x 73 mm
Weight: 405 g

That's significantly shorter than my DA16-45 (92 x 72) and just 40g heavier. I look forward to test of this lens!

[Steelski]

According to digitalkamera.de: Pentax präsentiert das abgedichtete DA 3.5-5.6 18-135 mm WR

Min focus: 0.4 m (1:4.2)
Size: 76 x 73 mm
Weight: 405 g

That's significantly shorter than my DA16-45 (92 x 72) and just 40g heavier. I look forward to test of this lens!

It says its an 800 Euro lens!!!!!

[Clarkey]

According to digitalkamera.de: Pentax präsentiert das abgedichtete DA 3.5-5.6 18-135 mm WR

Min focus: 0.4 m (1:4.2)
Size: 76 x 73 mm
Weight: 405 g

That's significantly shorter than my DA16-45 (92 x 72) and just 40g heavier. I look forward to test of this lens!

Nice. That is what it would be replacing for me. If the colour and rendering is more similar to that than the 18-55 wr kit (which I have, and would no longer have), it is a home run.

It says its an 800 Euro lens!!!!!

You make the golden goose and then you kill it without waiting for the eggs. Surely not.

[ogl]

THK Photo Products, Inc.

Tokina is absolutely different lens.

15 element in 9 groups.

[janneman]

It says its an 800 Euro lens!!!!!

maybe take that with a grain of salt, it also says k-5 + 18-135 is about € 2000,00 wheras other rumored prices here state € 1949,00 (not too far off) or even € 1600,00 for the same kit.

If you look at prices of different lenses at different shops, I suspect you will be able to get the 18-135 for prices between (maybe not immediately) € 600,00 and € 1.250,00. Huge price may be because it won't be sold separately initially so if you want one, stores have to take it from the kit.

[rparmar]

It says its an 800 Euro lens!!!!!

That may be list price. But if you look at what I have already posted you will see that you can buy it for a €450 premium over the K-5 body.

[Wololo]

I can read here

digitalkamera.de: Pentax präsentiert das abgedichtete DA 3.5-5.6 18-135 mm WR

nothing about AL, IF and the new motor. Is it sure, that this lens have it? And we can read here

http://www.digitalkamera.de/Objektiv/Pentax/smc_DA_18-135_mm_3_5-5_6_WR_/37516.aspx

that this lens is FF compatible. I am not sure, but I guess its wrong?

[Asahiflex]

So according to Dpreview there's a DC motor inside the lens!

Pentax smc DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL IF DC WR lens: Digital Photography Review

PENTAX Imaging Systems announces the launch of a brand new lens. The smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL[IF] DC WR features a practical 7.5-times zoom ratio.

Designed exclusively for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras, this interchangeable standard zoom lens features a simplified weather-resistant construction and extra-smooth autofocus operation using a built-in motor. One lens to suit all needs.

What are its key features?

High zoom ratio
When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this standard zoom lens offers a high zoom ratio of 7.5 times, covering the focal length range between 27.5mm wide angle and 207mm telephoto in the 35mm format. This high zoom ratio gives it the versatility to accommodate a wide range of subjects and scenes. Thanks to advanced PENTAX optics design technology, it is compact and lightweight, despite its high zoom ratio, making it a versatile, manoeuverable every day-use lens.

Simplified weather-resistant construction
This zoom lens features a simplified weather-resistant construction to prevent the intrusion of water and moisture. By mounting it on a weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the user is assured of a durable, dependable digital imaging system that performs excellently, even in the rain and wet conditions.

Extra-smooth SDM autofocus operation
A DC motor built into the lens’ AF (autofocus) unit assures extra-smooth autofocus operation. It features a rotation-free mechanism to keep the focus ring stationary during autofocus operation. The user can hold the lens in exactly the same way as when using it in the manual-focus mode.

High-quality image detail
Incorporating an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element, a hybrid aspherical element and a glass-moulded aspherical element in its optics, the lens promises exceptional image detail with minimal aberrations. These elements also contribute to the downsizing of the lens body.

Rounded diaphragm to produce beautiful bokeh
The lens features a completely rounded diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus) effect, while minimising the streaking effect of point light sources.

[Wololo]

Finally Pentax released the official news about the lens. Check their website. It's true with the DC-motor (DC = Direct Current)!

http://www.digitalkamera.de/Objektiv/Pentax/smc_DA_18-135_mm_3_5-5_6_WR_/37516.aspx
FF compatible?

[Danny Delcambre]

Where is focus ring?????????

[Asahiflex]

Where is focus ring?????????

It's the small ring near the mount.

[pxpaulx]

I just did some research.... Price in Holland for DA18-55 sold separately is only 1.6 that of same lens on body...

But now we get to the weird one: B&H
DA18-55 II sold separately: usd 109.95
K-7 with DA18-55 : usd 988,79
K-7 body : 869,00 so DA18-55 price is 119,79

K-x with DA 18-55: usd 499,79
K-x body only: usd 509,99

Being worth about $40-50, some might call the K-x L version kit lens a glorified lens cap, or, worthless - which is why they give them away.

Regarding the K-7/18-55mm combo, shouldn't you be referencing the WR version and not the DAII? The WR 18-55mm is worth more than $120 (new anyway, that is about the going used rate - just checked, BH has the WR version for $150).

Edit: though there is no USD pricing for the K5 and respective kits yet, it looks like the k5/18-55WR/50-200WR combo is quite aggressively priced in euros MSRP (via Dpreview - $1199 with 18-55/1299 with 2 lens WR/1699 with 18-135; body only likely $1149?). If those prices are right, they are basically saying buy the aggressively priced 2 lens kit, or be on our cutting edge with the 18-135mm for several hundred dollars more.

[ogl]

Alongside the launch of the K5, Pentax has also announced another new WR lens, bringing the total number of the company's weather-resistant lenses (excluding DA Star types) to four models. The smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR lens has a built-in Direct Current autofocus motor, and a focus ring that doesn't move during AF operation. Pricing for this lens is set at US$530, and it will be available from October 2010.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1284991261.html