I can't speak to the 55-300 and while I do believe there is a difference in IQ, I also agree with geclinke. That is to say, I think it's important to stress that for the money (and the size and weight), the 50-200 is no slouch. It's almost as if when someone says the 55-300 is FAR superior that the 50-200 is not worth getting. I like to show people this shot I took with my K-r with the 50-200 at the supposed soft long end of 200mm. Also, this is a jpeg with heavy cropping done by me in PP.....and downsizing by the photo host site (click on the image for full size):

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/ccd333/IMGP0317-3.jpg

Really, you think so? Or are you being facetious because of the wink? Can't tell because this is your first post and I don't know you.....but I guess I would rather not fail to take you seriously. So, I'll bite:

If you look at these two pics of the same item at full size for example, you can see the huge difference in noise and detail.

K10D - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ishayau/5773045033/sizes/o/in/pool-1705361@N23/

K-5 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/ishayau/5773037493/sizes/o/in/pool-1705361@N23/

Another satisfied K-r owner here. With your f2.8 lens it will be very nice! Also, in my mind when someone says the image quality on the K-5 is better (as it should be), it's no indictment on the K-r.

Plenty of things that make Pentax stand out. I think to summarize one could just say they are a great value for what you are getting quality and feature wise. Stating that sometimes evokes thoughts of something being cheap, but in this case it's just a matter of what is being delivered.....and in a reliable fashion.....for consistently (or at the very least usually) a better price than their competitors.

I think the dual power option (AA and lithium-ion) on the K-r is a very nifty feature that you don't hear too many Pentax users comment about. As far as I know, it's the only DSLR that does this. As an owner, I find it to be quite innovative.....and very reassuring as well.

Love the Black Khaki Camo....it looks like legitimate gear. Understated, and effective. The rest are a bit pretentious for my tastes.