[einstrigger]

If you're coming from a point & shoot, I'd say the 18-200mm would make it a comfortable transition. It's not a bad lens, especially for the price after rebate. Of which, Tamron processes the rebate as a check instead of a lame Visa cash card.

As for warranty, I believe Pentax only warranties items sold by an authorized distributor. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

[KxBlaze]

Great input, once again. Can you maybe elaborate little bit more on where you see the 18-200 not be as good as the 55-300?

I have seen some pictures online where the 18-200 is not as sharp around the edges, is there other issues that I should worry about?

No other issues just the sharpness (or over all IQ) of the 18-200 not being as good as the 55-300. But again the difference is not huge but to me it is noticeable.

On the other hand though, the 18-200 is much more convenient because of the range.

If you do not plan on shooting much wildlife or anything that requires a long telephoto lens then I would go with the 18-200. Plus that lens is on sale right now at BH for <$200.

[kwar]

I'd buy the 18-200 then I'd buy faster kit lenses as I figured out what range I used the most. The 18-200 will still get use because its convenient. I'd rather have a 16 to18-50mm f2.8 and a 50-150mm f2.8. The DAL lenses that would have come with my Kx kit are not desired because of the plastic mounts. I bought my Kx as a body only and bought a DA 18-55 and a DA 55-300 which now get almost no use 12 months after having purchased them as I have aquired faster lenses, a 28-75 f2.8 and a 70-200 f2.8. I'm now looking for a 50-150 f2.8 to try on my new Kr. I wouldn't turn down a great deal on 16 to 18-50mm f2.8 either.