The Pentax DA18-55 is a good lens and plenty sharp. I do prefer the more refined results from a DA16-45 or the Sigma 17-70. I bought the latter and it produces a more prime like rendering of contrast, color and bokeh...

The pentax and Nikon are pretty close but the build of the pentax is far better IMO. The canon lags big time..http://www.flickr.com/photos/djmsmc/..

The Pentax DA 18-55 seems to be generally considered as the best kit lens, with Nikon a close second and Canon way behind. (Don't know abobut Olympus)..

From photozone.de:.

'The Pentax SMC DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL is a surprisingly good kit zoom although it has it's weaknesses specifically at 18mm. The center and border performance is fine here but the extreme corners are somewhat soft. Pronounced vignetting and reduced contrast are also present at f/3.5. At 35mm and 55mm the situation is much better. CAs are very well controlled. The build quality is good for a kit zoom and a level up from the rest of the gang such as the Canon EF 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 or Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED.'Mike..

Have to plead ignorance about Pentax kit lensbut Olympus certainly defeat Canon (the worst) and Nikonthe twin lens kit with E-410/E-510 is a pretty decent dealRiley.

I like to think the bs can never be higher than the ah..

The "Sweet spot" for almost ALL lenses is around f/8 for maximum resolution. Hence the legendary advice for aspiring photojournalists, "f/8 and be there".

I can say without hesitation, that my 2 Olympus Kit lenses that came with my E500 aren't awful when used wide open, and are pretty darned good at f/8. I have some friends with Canons, and their kit lenses can't touch the Oly kits..

I've heard the Pentax is putting a fair kit lens out on their cameras now but I've never used one. Being second tier producers, maybe Oly and Pentax feel a decent kit lens adds to their marketability while Canon and Nikon don't see the need for it..

BTW, if you expect to rely heavily on the kit lenses for a while, considering lens quality makes a great deal of sense. A second tier camera with better kit lenses make a lot of sense for some people.STOP Global Stasis! Change is good!.

Now that you've judged the quality of my typing, take a look at my photos..http://www.photo.net/photos/GlenBarrington..

I agree. Olympus and Pentax are better when it comes to kit lens...

I will probably get him a K100D then. I dont like the Olympus 4/3 system at all..

Tx all..