Originally posted by Uluru
Only very consumer grade and boring lenses from Sigma, such as this 'new' one, are available for K-mount *without asking*.

BUT things seem to change to the good? what about the professional Sigma Art-series 18-35mm? But admittedly that may be an experiment for Sigma just to test the waters. It may well turn out into a selling failure, because Pentax users, although they appreciate perfect Image quality of course, are not used to such heft and bulk.
But having said this: All I'm really asking for myself, is nothing more than a consumer grade "boring" (but good) standard zoom, actually. Unfortunately there's none around appealing enough to depart from the 18-55 I'm still using (and from what I want to upgrade). All current options (Pentax, Sigma, Tamron) have issues and problems, be it one or more out of
- poor flare / ghosting resistance (Sigma?, some Pentax such as 17-70)
- front/backfokus not constant through zoom range and/or object distance (risky to blame individual lenses here, as potentially linked to some extent with body autofokus qualities?)
- Overall performance too inconsistent through zoom range (e.g. 18-135)
- decentration issues, quality variation (all)
- overpriced for a produced performance level (often Pentax except 18-55 of course)
- SDM motors having an expiration date (some time after warranty ended)
All I want is something which may be as boring as hell, but which just works fine

What about a Kit III? I remember there was the Kit I for 10 MP, then came Kit 2 optimised for 14 MP (which I own), but what a bout a Kit III optimised for 24 MP? That would be sweet! (and would help body sales as well)