Help me spend money, I need input on replacing an old lens.

So, my old 35mm kit lens that cam with my Nikon N65 I've been using on my D90 finally suffered some type of focusing mechanism failure. Rather than repair it, I'd like to get a proper lens for my D90 to fill it's role. I can't afford a super fast $1600 lens, but want something decent. I've found some under $500 that might work. Just some input & pros/cons from more knowledgeable/experienced folks would be helpful.

The lens I'm replacing:
Quantaray 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 for 35mm film camera

Here's what ELSE is in my bag for reference, this will be my first actual digital formatted lens, the rest are my old lens from my film days.
Quantaray 50mm f2.8 (35mm Film)
Tamron 35-105mm f2.8 (35mm film, but not working quite right, crazy heavy too)
Quantaray 70-210mm f4-5.6 (35mm film)
Tamron 200-400mm f5.6 (35mm Film)

Lenses that sound good & want input on:

1. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 w/ filter - $441
http://www.adorama.com/TM1750NKAFK.html

2. Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 - $299
http://www.adorama.com/TN16135NK.html

3. Sigma 18-125mm f3.5-5.6 w/ optical stabilizer & filter- $339
http://www.adorama.com/SG18125OSNKK.html

4. Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 w/ optical stabilizer - $399
http://www.adorama.com/SG1770SNKAFA.html

5. Sigma 18-50mm f2.8-4.5 w/ filter - $199
http://www.adorama.com/SG1850284NKK.html

Here's my thoughts.

#1 is probably the best lens as it's the only one that is f2.8 throughout. It's also about too much for my budget. #2 & #3 give me nice range but are the slowest on the list. #4 sounds nice, but is the speed worth paying more for less range than #2 or #3? #5 sounds really good on paper, but seems priced really low for it's specs.

Give me some input on things like best over all, best value for price etc. I just need a nice lens!

Thanks!
JM

One of the best all around lenses the D90 would be the Nikon 18-200mm VR.  You might able to score a decent used one near your price range, especially the original version, that should outperform the others you've mentioned.

I had a Tamron for my digital Cannon and while it worked it took good pics but it only last about a year w/ light use.
Might buy one again if it was only for occasional use but otherwise I'd avoid it.

check the pawn shops...seriously...I had a buddy pick up a nice 70-210 and a macro lens at a pawn shop for like $250...

Quote from: Johnny OrganDonor on November 20, 2012, 03:55:59 PM
One of the best all around lenses the D90 would be the Nikon 18-200mm VR.  You might able to score a decent used one near your price range, especially the original version, that should outperform the others you've mentioned.

I second the vote for that lens. I have one on my D1000 and love it.

The best thing I can say is don't go cheap on glass. I bought some cheaper stuff early on and took some great shots that left me disappointed by the results. I vowed to only buy Nikor and have not been let down by it yet

i may be open to selling my 18-200vr.