Looking for a zoom lens recommendation in the 18-200mm range

[Mendoza]

Hello. I've been scouring zoom lens reviews for about the past 5 days now and am lost. First, what I'm looking for:
- Lens somewhere between 18-200mm (at least 28-135mm)
- APS-C (Canon) compatible
- IS, USM, and low F-stop are nice of course (particularly Image Stabilization)
- Max. price $500-600

(My main priority would be sharpness.) I've read a lot of reviews and am really confused. Here's my question: Any "standout" lenses with these characteristics? Every single lens seems to score a 4/5 overall. The lenses on my list so far are:
- Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- Canon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-S IS
- Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS

 

[Tee]

Take a look at the Tamron 18-275. I like their VC (equivalent to Canon's IS). It runs in the low $600's but I think it comes with an $80 rebate for the summer. I took one out for a test drive this week at a Tamron clinic and was impressed (almost pulled the plastic out for it).

 

[Dao]

Juza Nature Photography

 

[Mendoza]

^Thanks that's very helpful.

 

[alyaba]

I really like the Canon but when i tried it out lens creep was absolutely awful, every time i tilted just a little but the lens creeped. if it didn't have this problem i probably would have bought it.

 

[cfusionpm]

Don't forget the new 18-135 EF-S from Canon:

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Review