The impressive 18-55 2,8-4,0

With variable aperture zooms you get a more compact package.  The lens as an 18-55mm f/2.8 would be much larger and bulkier.  Having differing apertures is no trouble in a modern camera with automatic exposure.  So in this case I am all for 18-55mm f/2.8-4.

Eric

--
I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object
be what it may - light, shade, and perspective will always make it
beautiful. - John Constable (quote)
See my Blog at: http://www.erphotoreview.com/ (bi-weekly)
Flickr Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28177041@N03/ (updated daily)