[cats_five]

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Both lens use 52mm filters and hoods, so I thought I would just move the hood from one to the other initially.
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The hoods are completely different shapes. If you use the one for the shorter lens on the longer then it won't do anything effective, if you use the one for the longer lens on the shorter then you will get horrible vignetting. The photos in these URLs will show you the difference:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-replacement-Compatible-18-55mm-F3-5-5-6/dp/B003P...6253511&sr=1-1

JJC replacement Pentax PH-RBG 58mm Lens Hood for PENTAX: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

[speedtrap63]

The hoods are completely different shapes. If you use the one for the shorter lens on the longer then it won't do anything effective, if you use the one for the longer lens on the shorter then you will get horrible vignetting. The photos in these URLs will show you the difference:

JJC replacement Pentax PH-RBA 52mm lens hood.: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

JJC replacement Pentax PH-RBG 58mm Lens Hood for PENTAX: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Thanks for the tip! I've ordered a similar one to you're second example for the 50-200.

[slab288]

If it's OK can I just add on a question here?...........

Here in the Uk our K-R kit comprises of the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm as opposed to the 300mm being mentioned here...........any thoughts?...........seems like a decent combination for a novice.

slab288

[RioRico]

Here in the Uk our K-R kit comprises of the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm as opposed to the 300mm being mentioned here...........any thoughts?...........seems like a decent combination for a novice.

That would be the 50-200. The 55-300 gets better reviews. I personally dislike kits of 18-55 plus 50-200 or 55-300 because I shoot a lot between 35-70, and swapping lenses around 55mm is a royal pain. So my basic kit is the DA18-250. It and its Tamron twin are no longer in production but are widely available, gently used.

That said, a Kr plus 18-55 plus 55-300 kit is very appealing and cost-effective. The 50-200 is cheaper, less well-liked as I said, but it's a place to start. And for cheap fun in a people-focal-length range, the F35-70 can often be found (used) for well under US$50. My recommendation: get either 2-lens kit (but the 55-300 is better) and look for a used F35-70 so you'll know what SHARP! is.

[speedtrap63]

If it's OK can I just add on a question here?...........

Here in the Uk our K-R kit comprises of the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm as opposed to the 300mm being mentioned here...........any thoughts?...........seems like a decent combination for a novice.

slab288

The kit I just got is the 18-55 and 50-200, which is I think what you are talking about. As RioRico said, it is not as favorably viewed as the 55--300, but it is still decent for a novice such as ourselves. I've taken a few shots with it so far, and it seems ok, but not as sharp as the 18-55 to my untrained eye. That being said, it will allow me to see what focal lengths are important to me, for my next lens.

[omega leader]

My normal walk around lens is a 12-24mm f4, 35mm f2.4 and a 50-150mm f2.8. However if I'm travelling light I often throw the 50-200mm in my pocket. No it isn't as good as the constant f2.8 lens, but it is smaller than that len's hood.

Sometimes a small lens really helps and the 50-200mm is that, small and at least my copy is nice. I think I paid $200 for mine and so $70 with the kit makes alot of sense.