Wow!
K3 K3 K3

Mike is spot on here, and the Siggy 8-16mm is a remarkable lens!
The newer smooth finish is better to be honest, it does not mark up anywhere as easily as the old flocked type matte finish.
Don't confuse it with the finish on the FF 12-24 "New" version as that one is mostly metal and quite heavy in comparison though, that said and as an aside,
the 8-16 does a decent job at 16mm on FF as well in case your interested...
Like I say remarkable lens...

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2012/08/06/sigma-ultrawide-zooms-old-and-new-12-24...

You got mail!

Hmm, not sure how to take that!

Either or, currently trying to decide how I want my set up to run, I've a few quid burning a hole in my pocket, I've always liked both of these lenses, sensible sale offers please for those who are willing to part company with either of the above in fab nick, not too fussed about boxes etc as long as the lens is good. Will have a definite idea how far I can be pushed for price fairly soon, so I'm putting it out there!
Answers on a postcard...

Hi Dave, ta! Definitely my front but then it's all a front! Doh!
I don't normally listen to reviews too much myself but originally the conclusions from multiple reviews were on the whole so damning I never gave it a chance, now I can see myself picking one up sometime, it looks too useful to ignore...

You got a P.M. Bob, and thanks for your good wishes...

I think this Re-review's conclusion is as Mke P states, really a reevaluation of the lens's perceived value, as of now being around a third less in price that it was when released puts it into a whole different ballpark.
Bill your right, there is a huge difference between "Proof" and "Resistant"!
What I take from this is that the lens is nowhere near as bad as reviews like the one on Photozone for instance, (Guilty of believing that one and thus not giving the lens a chance!), it is what it is, a very convenient wide ranging all in one lens that can take a shower, there is a lot to like.
I have to admit I have a hard time resolving (See what I did there!) DXO Mark scoring as regards Pentax's offerings too, if we all believed those ratings none of us would be here!

Well you know what it means, don't think I'll be that regular a poster though but we'll see...
There is some talk of the gobbledy gook firmware description, having something to do with the mirror flop issue but it may be wishful thinking?

Thankyou Northgrain, had a difficult six or so months, turned a corner I hope, in my mind anyway if not in my body

All you will ever need to know!
Thanks to our American cousins...
http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/da-18-135mm-f35-56-ed-al-if-dc-wr/conclusion...