<p>John have you given the 18-55 a real chance before dismissing it as "just" a kit lens? When I bought a D5000 with the same lens 6 years ago, I thought along the same lines. But I tried it and used it and kept using it, and it was very sharp, and the VR made me rethink that it was too slow, and gave me many shots that I did not think it was capable of. Not here to dis your Sigma choices, but use the 18-55 for a month and see if you really might like it. It may surprise you.</p>