Originally posted by RMabo How is the optical quality on collapsable kit lenses?
About the same as other kit lenses. The Oly 14-42 is perhaps slightly better than the DA 18-55.
The best of the collapsible zooms is probably the Oly 9-18, but that isn't exactly a kit lens. Amazingly small, with good colors, contrast, reasonably sharp except toward the edges and corners.
Originally posted by RMabo But the new [collapsible] one will, I believe, replace the 18-55 WR and leaving the DA L 18-55 as the lowest cost entry I presume?
Only if Pentax decides to give up on entry-level WR (which is always possible). All these lenses may serve a purpose, with the 18-55 WR being the low cost WR alternative, the 18-50 being the compact, noiseless focus alternative, and the DA L 18-55 being the bargain basement alternative. Why not give entry level users more choices? Pentax undoubtedly sells more 18-55s than any other lens.