Good 'replacement' for kit lens?

[@ndré]

I'm looking to buy a better lens, mainly to replace the kit lens I'm still using.

At this point I can afford a lens for around R3k (I know, it's not much for decent glass, but chances are I'll never spend more than that on a lens, unless I can justify it/recover the cost by making bucks off it) and looking at the Canon 28-105 F/3.5-4.5 (can use my current filters on this lens) for a replacement for the kit lens. (thanks to Simon's advice, who took my budget & needs into consideration) I know most are going to say "rather save the R3k & save some more" but chances are that I'll then never get round to it - saving for wedding you know!
Other option would be Sigma 24-135 F/2.8-4.5 IF but is around R1200 more, plus takes 77mm filters, which also costs!

Obviously I'd love to have more range as well, but taking my photographic inclination into consideration (people, parties, functions, weddings, portraits, studio) I guess a good lens that'll allow me to shoot the above, is more important than having a lens for the 'once-in-a-year' trip to Kruger or the occasional birding outings? It might seem here as if I'm expecting someone else to make up my mind for me, but alot of you out there must have been in the same situation before - therefore any suggestions would be REAL helpful!

Before buying a longer range lens, I'd also invest in a 430, 550 or 580 flash first (also because of what I usually shoot) and a better tripod. Only once I have those things, I'd look at a lens that'll fill up the gap from where the Canon 28-105 left off to around 300, 400 or even 500mm. After that, Marco/Wide Angle or vice versa. Then more than likely - DIVORCE!!

I'll post again re longer range lenses in around 10 years time when I have bucks again...

[charlieh]

In your price range there is a Sigma 18-125 DC lens

I use thi as my walkabout lens and have been happy with it thus far

[Kobus2]

I have been thinking along these lines also. Need a replacement for kit lens, preferably covering the zoom range 20-130 or so.

I see conflicting reports on quality of pictures with 17-85 IS, which would on paper seem to be a great sports, carry around, portrait? lens. I would in theory be able to do wedding pictures with this lens too, which adds low light capabilities as another requirement.

Any comments on these assumptions? Recommendations about 3rd party lenses? I would be in the R2000-R6000 bracket.

regards

Kobus