Best (affordable) upgrade option for the Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR kit lens?

Your 18-55 is a fine lens, but I have to say... if you can find one this inexpensive, get the 18-200 VR.  I found one over the weekend for $275.00...that price included a tune up/calibration at the Nikon service center.

I guess a question for you is...what's your budget and what do you want to do with the lens?

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D7000, D300s, D80, 18-200 VRII, Nikon 50mm 1.8 / 1.4,
Tamron 90mm, Nikon 80-200 2.8 AF-D,
Sigma 10-20mm - SB-800
50mm 1.8D
Gear up..... Get out there!!!