Nikon Walkabout Suggestions

[hooneeawr]

I'm looking for some suggestions here, nothing particularly expensive.

I have a D40, the kit 18-55, a 55-200 and the 35mm 1.8 lenses.

Mostly I use the 18-55 for out and about and the 35mm for indoors and special occasions.

I'm looking for a new zoom as a replacement for the 18-55. Partially because new is good, but mainly because the 18-55 is a little faulty and often won't focus. However I have no idea what I want, except that I don't want to spend too much.

Nikon 18-200 - Pricey, heavy
Nikon 17-55 2.8 - In my dreams, too expensive. Looks quite big.
Sigma 17-50 2.8 - Half the price of the Nikon, still a bit much, and there's always...
Tamron 17-50 2.8 - Third the price of the Nikon.
Tamron 18-200 - Really cheap, more zoom, poor f stop (6.3).
Nikon 18-55 - Meh, I want something new!

As you can probably tell, I have no idea what I want. Does anyone have any alternative suggestions?

 

[hooneeawr]

I might be interested in that Tamron 17-50mm then. Might manage to get a second hand one cheaper than the Nikon 18-200. However there's none in my local Jessops so I'll be buying blind. What's the focusing speed like compared with my 18-55?

 

[hooneeawr]

Hmm, I came here for a definitive answer, but instead get told everything is great! Haha.

I may instead let my wallet decide and see what I can get for a reasonable price.