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

For more reach the budget options would be 55-200VR, 55-300VR and 70-300VR in increasing order of cost.

For faster glass the main budget options are the 35mm f1.8G and the 50mm f1.8G.

I have both the 18-55VR and the 18-200VR and I find the 18-200VR softer in the corners, as well as being very front heavy on my D5100.

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Shooting for fun and memories.