OT: Normal -Mid Range Nikon Zoom Lens?

I have an opportunity at work to replace a Nikon 18-200 VR f3.5 zoom lens. It has served quite well, but the lens creep is horrible. Normally, it is not a an issue on landscape or horizontal shooting, but I do take vegetation images with lens pointing down. Ones has to hold it or the barrel slips completely out.
With that background, any experiences with newer Nikon lenses in that general zoom range? No doubt I want the good glass, but I am not sure primes are the best for me. I have always enjoyed the flexiblity of the normal-medium range zoom. Have to admit, I may have to adjust thar thought process since my initial research/reviews don't indicate much great glass in that wide of range. So I may have to break it down to 18-70 and 70-200.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

If you didn't want to sell the wife and kids or carry around a boat anchor, Nikon makes an excellent 70-300mm zoom for around $500. Very good lens except for 1) it is soft after 200mm 2) no tripod collar. The 70-200mm is a great lens, but heavy. I have a hunch Nikon could come out with a 70-200mm f 4 this fall. Just a hunch and because I am wrong 99% of the time, I wouldn't count on it. Still, it would help us nature photographers.

Just yesterday I read a review by Darwin Wiggett on the Sigma APO 50-150mm 2.8 DC OS HSM lens.
I thought it might be a nice alternative for my portrait work. He gave it sparkling . Here is the link:
http://oopoomoo.com/2012/08/real-world-review-of-the-sigma-apo-50-150mm-f2-8-dc-os-hsm-lens/#more-3406

The 70-300mm is a great travel/wildlife lens for a great price, but I'd say it is more of a tele-zoom.

I prefer primes, especially on these new, high-resolution cameras like the D7000 and D800. But for you maybe three lenses the 70-300mm, 50mm prime, and a wide zoom. It's crazy to overlap lens focal range, and there aren't many steps (footsteps) between a 35mm and 50mm.

I have heard good things about the 16-85, but its by no means new.

Ken, I have the 24-70mm and 70-200mm. I would guess that 80% of my shooting is with the 24-70 as I do mostly landscapes. The 24-70 is excellent for relative closeups and wide angle work as well. An excellent lens. However, I love that f/2.8 70-200. I use it for wildlife, macros and the occasional landscape. You simply cannot beat a lens of that quality. I also have the Nikon 200-400 f/4 which I love and the Nikon 17-35mm. The latter is getting a bit long in the tooth but has been a wonderfully reliable piece of glass. I have spent some money to obtain these lenses and I do not regret it. To work with less would drive me crazy. I hope this is helpful.

Thanks much for all the comments. Users experiences are obviously so much more valuable than I review from a person that may not have really used a lens in field applications.
The 24-70 and 70-200 is definitely the focal range I am considering.

I have the 17-35 a 50mm then a 70-300mm. I think it is a great setup, the 16-35 is also a great lens. It will do all the landscape work I have come across. I sold my 70-200 because I got sick of lugging it up in the hills.

I also have the new 24-120 f4. When I don't need ultra wide that is what I use along with the 70-300.

I agree with Ken above: The best series from Nikon these days is the 14-24, then the 24-70 and then the 70-200. Then, if they haven't closed you credit card account, it's the 200-400.

I have the 14-24 and 24-70, but then I went with the older 80-200 afd lens. No afs or VR, but very sharp and half the price of the newer 70-200. Something to consider.

Wow, the reviews on the 24-70 are outstanding for sure. However, it is bigger than I was hoping. Weight certainly becomes a factor when backpacking. Since I already have a Tokina wide angle and a Tamron 90mm, I might just consider the 35mm1.8 prime lens to fit in between. Decisions, decisions.

Joshua, I did consider the 80-200 and purchased it. For mid-range I went with the 16-85. I forgot to mention I have a crop sensor camera, the D7000. I certainly didn't save much on weight, though. But I couldn't sacrifice quality for the the few times I do backpack.