It came from a reputable and well known Pentax main dealer, who I should perhaps not name in case this is information that they should not be divulging under the terms of their agreement with Pentax. But I'm sure many people on this forum will have used them.

I don't know if there have been any announcements about it yet, but I hear that Pentax are about to increase their lens prices again soon. So any of you looking to buy a new lens might not want to postpone it for too long.
If this is going to happen (and I'm pretty certain it's reliable information) then I think Pentax are crazy. Rather than encouraging brand uptake, it's more likely to make people look at third party lenses or completely different systems. Let's hope it's no more than just keeping any increase in line with inflation.

I've had a number of different items from China, not just photography related. The quality is not always up to the same standard as an OEM part, but it has always been perfectly satisfactory and quite serviceable, and normally at a fraction of the cost. I am quite happy to buy from China, but up until now I haven't had anything more than about £50 in value.

Have you looked at this comparison: link

I wonder if this could be the 'DA Wide Zoom' in Pentax's lens roadmap!? link

I had the Tamron for a while, and found it great lens for the price. But now I have the 55-300 and the image quality is undoubtedly better. But now my 55-300 will (sadly) have to go to make way for a 60-250.

If you are wanting it for wildlife, the 55-300 will do the job nicely. Good quality at a reasonable price, and it will complement your 18-55 lens nicely. Also quite compact and light.
I'm quite happy with mine, but it will have to go quite soon to make way for a 60-250, which I've been lusting after for a while!

There's a comparison here:
http://www.pentaxforums.com/reviews/tamron-90mm-macro-vs-pentax-100mm-wr/introdu...

You can sell me your 60-250 if you're looking to get rid of it

Good pictures - better than my last effort at Mallory