Rob, thanks for the review, I found it quite helpful and interesting to read. I've found my 18-55 to work quite well for me except for the zoom factor. So that's what I mean by upgrade.
Ant, My sister agrees with you and says that I should go for the 28-300 (she's a film photographer) She said that since I already have an 18-55 I could switch lenses for a wider shot.
I've never considered tele-converters because I'll "never" be able to afford a lens that works with them.
(with good quality)
Joe, I've wondered about the pros and cons of the 28-300 being for film and digital and the 18-200 being only digital....
I'm currently leaning towards the 28-300, but am hoping to pay my local camera store a visit this week to see if I can test out the lenses before I buy.
Thank y'all!