Originally posted by jatrax Your choices are the 16-85 or the 18-135. Both have fans and both have pluses and minuses. I prefer the 16-85, my wife likes the 18-135. Some days my shots are better, some days hers are.
To be fair, there are other options in the "similar to longer" range...
HD DA20-40 - narrower focal length range, DA Limited build and rendering, weather resistant
Sigma (or Tamron) 17-50 f/2.8 - fast, constant aperture allowing for lower ISO / faster shutter speed / lower-light work, great IQ
Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 - faster variable aperture, great IQ
Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 - a fast, constant aperture beast, not without its AF concerns, but superb IQ