Best short zoom lens for nikon?

I'm looking for a new lens and I have a Nikon D5000.
I'm looking for a short zoom or average zoom lens, for example nikon 16-85mm or 24-70mm.
Please just list any that you know are good below.

I would take a look at the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS. You get image stabilization, a nice wide 17mm and a 50mm telephoto which is perfect for portraits, and the wide f/2.8 aperture (really a must have) for blurring out those backgrounds or shooting indoors or in low light. It is really a perfect all around lens for cropped sensor bodies like the Nikon D5000. Nikon has one which is the 18-55mm f/2.8 but it lacks stabilization, is only marginally bette, r and alot more expensive. The only problem is if you ever move up into a pro body like the Nikon D700, you would need to sell it. But it will work with the D7000 which would probably be your next upgrade from the D5000.
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