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

Shunda77 wrote:

My opinion was based on direct experience with both lenses, when I found actual laboratory test data comparing both lenses on the same body, it only confirmed my experience as being accurate.

Basically, I found that I was able to get sharp results in a much wider range of light than I could with the 18-55 kit lens, I was also able to focus faster and more accurately, manual focus override has also proven to be very useful. Manual focus is next to useless on the kit lens. Shooting from a tripod after sunset when manual focus becomes important is extremely difficult with the 18-55 and it is just not wide enough for landscapes.

I purchased my 16-85vr second hand for half the new price.

For me the kit lens was a complete waste of time, it just isn't practical as a walk around nature/landscapes lens, even combined with a tele option. The focal length is just not long enough, too much lens changing simply ruins the enjoyment of this kind of photography.

I found that the 16-85vr added exactly the right mix of image quality and creative freedom, others may find their needs are different based on the subject matter they shoot.

But the OP specifically mentioned nature/landscapes, and if he is serious about landscapes the 16-85vr is simply the best option out there, you simply can not do the same photography or have the same user experience with the kit 18-55.