Standard lens for K10D

Hi
Just picked up the last K10D that London Camera Exchange had in and got money knocked off it too. Bought with mk1 18-55 and a Tamron 70-300 Di, which I am very impressed with. I'm looking to replace the 18-55 cheaply as i don't hink it's that good. I've heard the new Mk2 is much better. Is this the case or would I be better getting the sigma 18-50?
Jonathon

The MkI 18-55mm is actually quite a good lens, especially when stopped down. It's always possible to get a poor example if any lens.

The MkII will be better, but the real bargain of the moment is the SMC Pentax-DA 16-45mm f4 which is a fantastic lens, currently being phased out it seems.

Try SRS and maybe others for an exciting price on that one.

Until the Mk 2 came along, the 18-55 was considered to be the best kit lens made by any manufacturer.

As with any lens, you need to know its strenghths and weaknesses, then play to the strengths. As they say, in another context, "it's not what you've got, it's how you use it". As JR points out, this lens is not at it's best wide-open, though there is nothing unusual in that.

Interestingly, Pentax revised the 18-55 because they found that it's resolution wasn't up to the capabilities of the new 14Mp sensor on the K20D. It was considered quite good enough for the smaller sensors of the other bodies, including the K10D.

If I felt like upgrading the 18-55, like JR I'd make a bigger leap and go for the 16-45 or the 16-50 (budget permitting). I doubt if you'd notice much difference between the two 18-55s.

G