Solid standard zoom for a Nikon D300?

Looking for a standard zoom with the holidays approaching; and while my mind is open, I've narrowed my budget down to $400 and under. Some options I've been looking at are Nikon's 18-105mm VR, 18-55mm VR, 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5, as well as Tamron's 28-75 f/2.8 and Sigma's 17-70mm f/2.8-4.

Anyone had experience with any of these lenses?

What lenses have you got already? Are you planning on shooting in low light? What are you principally shooting? Landscapes/portaits/wildlife?

If you buget was higher, I'd recommend the 18-200mm but Sigma do a version which is ok, also there's the Tamron 18-270mm - both if you want masses of range.

Another possible is the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 - a fast lens.

Personally, I'd give the 18-55mm kit lens a miss, ditto the 18-70mm.

If I need a one lens solution when shooting editorial or travel photo assignments, the Nikkor 18-200 mm is the one I use.

I also have some other zoom lenses that I consider "standard" for the work I do.

Standard wide angle zoom is a 14-24 mm f/2.8
Standard fashion and court sports zoom lens is my 24-70 mm f/2.8
Standard runway fashion and sideline zoom lens is the 70-200 mm f/2.8
Standard field sports zoom lens is the 200-400 mm f/4 lens.

As you can see, the term "standard" can mean just about anything