A Flicker Post I spent a lot of time on

So I spent a lot of time and thought on this.. Just like I would on any purchase.. here's my train of thought and a post on/in flickr:

You all have me convinced.. I want to sell my kit:
I see it gos for around $300 on ebay

So say I come up with another $100 or $200

Now I have $500.. what would you get?

I want something comparable in numbers but obviously better quality... I wish that would pay for something that was 18-70 2.8 but I don't think it's likely.

Here's what I found at B & H for under $500 or close that would be an upgrade I think:

Nikon 28-70 2.8 $449 (w/ rebate)

Sigma 20-40 2.8 $479

Sigma 24-60 2.8 $379

Sigma 24-70 2.8 $399

Sigma 28-702.8 $309

ok.. although most are sigma.. I'm really going to miss the 18mm on the kit.. I've grown to love how wide it is.

which one would you choose (oh, and I'll miss any mm that the kit doesn't have but if it's noticeably faster I could live with it)

-a

flickr Nikon group thread