I'm a new "oldbe". I started taking pictures 40 years ago with a Pentax K1000. I pretty much quit in the 80's when I started my own business (NOT photo related) and started again in ernest about 5 years ago when I retired. I find the forum to be a great source of information, help, and entertainment. Snide remarks to an honestly asked simple question aren't frequent here, but they can be irksome. And yes, I know that questions from newbies can get in the way....wait what? Don't they only get in the way if you feel compelled to respond to them? Snarks are everywhere in this new world; maybe you need to start a thread for snarks only...

1. No. I find 18-200 to be a much better lens although I did miss the extra length. After purchasing the AFS-FX Nikkor 200-500 5.6 (also an excellent lens, IMHO) that problem was sufficiently solved for me. I sold the 18-300 I had a few months after receiving the 18-200 as a gift, and used the proceeds to help buy the aforementioned 200-500. I have not noticed the problems with barrel distortion and pincushion distortion mentioned by a previous responder, but I'm just an amateur and certainly am NOT an expert on image quality. The bokeh may be a tiny bit more pronounced, but I personally don't find it displeasing.
2.Not that I've found.
3. I would stay with Nikon lenses. I find them to be sturdier, and they are always easy to use. I'm sure there are some fine lenses from other companies, but the Tamron and Sigma equivalents that I've tried just don't feel right in my hands.

I just misread the column titles and was actually looking at the 7th item down about spare lithium ion batteries. No offense taken, it seems to be a lot easier for me to get confused as I age.

Oh, and now I see that your statement wasn't addressed to me. And so it goes...

Thanks! Obviously, I haven't gotten on planes much...like pre 9/11.

Jeebus! I sure did! Somebody give the old guy a nap, eh? Related question: if the batteries have to be separated as one person suggests, if I keep the protective cap on my spares and put them in my ThinkTank 4 battery canvas case, will that be enough separation?

Ok, I'm still confused. Farther down in the list of regulations posted, it says that lithium ion batteries not installed are FORBIDDEN in carry on and allowed in checked luggage. I'm I misreading this or do my spare EN-EL15 Nikon batteries have to be
stored in checked luggage?!??

I bought a Pelican SD case on Amazon and use it when I travel, otherwise I store them in their original plastic containers and put those in a drawer where I keep other photo related equipment.

Jim Bob - Seems I've tried/looked at/used/bought just about every bag recommended here plus a few others from Manfrotto, Domke, Tamrac et al. Each bag served its purpose at the time, but my recent goal was to find a compact bag that could be carried on as a second bag or "personal item" on smaller planes. Two lines have been mentioned in this string that I highly recommend based on size and protection; they are Peak Design and Think Tank. Both companies have products that work for me and I'm guessing there will be something in each line that would fit your needs. Both companies make slings, backpacks and messengers. For around town shooting I prefer the Peak Design messenger, and for travel, the Think Tank Streetwalker which provides superior protection (and fits two D7000's with battery packs and lenses attached - a wide angle and an 80-200 zoom - a flash unit, an extra lens and battery charger...and the bags are lockable). They are expensive, but I think they are well worth the money. Good luck and let everyone know what you decide and why!

I love mine, but note that they are somewhat pricey. For me it was worth the money. I've use a Tamrac Backpack (good protection but limited space) and a Manfrotto Tri Backpack S (room for one camera and three lenses with a top compartment, rain cover, and side access which is nice. Good luck with your search, and look hard at the Peak Design straps and clips; they are fantastic!

Consider the new line of bags from Peak Design. I have the original shoulder bag. It holds 2 bodies with lenses attached, and has room for a flash or another lens. It also has plenty of storage for cords, chargers, lens cleaners, brushes, spare batteries etc., along with an easily assessable slot for a small laptop or pad. Peak Design has added a new group of backpacks and smaller bags as well. The interiors can be configured in many ways since the sleeves are designed to bend and fold many directions. The bag is also water resistant, meets all National and International standards for carry on luggage and is compatible with all of the Peak Design strap systems which are also excellent. The only drawback I note is that the bags are not lockable.