The Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5... Anything Equivalent?

[spin180]

I hate to post another newbie lens suggestion thread, but I haven't quite been able to satisfy my curiosity.

I'm new to the world of SLR cameras. I just got a Canon 300D a couple of weeks ago. My knowledge of the various equipment, terms, etc. is growing slowly, but I'm still a rookie at this, really. I've got the kit lens and a 50mm f/1.8 on the way. I've done a great deal of browsing on this site and others and I think the next lens I want is something like the Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5. Seems to be well liked by most and a good all-around lens, and it's just about right for my current budget.

But I pose this... Are there any other lenses similar to it, in reputation, photo quality, price, and such made by Canon or anyone else? I see that Sigma and Tamron both have lens with similar specifications (28-105/135 range, similar f/ stops), but do they match up otherwise? I've linked a few of examples from B&H Photo:

Sigma 28-105 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=191869&is=REG) - Sigma 28-135 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=200345&is=REG) - Tamron 28-105 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=200345&is=REG) - Tamron 28-200 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=225813&is=USA)

The last Tamron is a bit of an oddball for my comparison, however it seems that it would fit my needs and budget. And I don't mean to limit the discussion these lenses. These are a just some representative examples.

Are any of these comparable? Or are there some others, not listed, that might be? To sum it up, I'm looking for somthing in a medium(?) zoom, general purpose, for around $200, give or take. I'm fairly certain I would be quite happy with the Canon lens I mentioned, but I'm the type that likes to explore every option before committing myself.

Anyone care to offer an opinion, actual experience or the like? I'd guess what I'm looking for is out there, but my lack of experience on the matter is making it difficult for me to see it.

Thanks!
Steve

[ron chappel]

None of the models you've mentioned are above average like the canon 28-105/3.5-4.5
Some do have half usefull features such as the two sigmas-they are available in slightly larger aperture versions (but it's very rare to find an owner praising them)
Or the tamron 28-105 is available in an f2.8 version but it's not particularly great and quite expensive anyway so certainly not the one you mention.

So all of these are a step down from the canon 28-105/3.5-4.5 optically ,they are budget kit zooms.The 28-200 i can say from experience is not very good.

Other lenses worth checking out?
If you want something better than the cheapies then the canon 24-85 and 28-135 are both quite good.These and the canon 28-105 are said to be optically very similar

Then of course there is the excellent tamron 28-75/2.8 if you want to pay abit more.I'm sure you'll get lots of recommendations for that one on this forum!