Have to Agree the 28-300mm VR is a very good lens for your choice of Camera. Additionally you might want to try a good mono-pod or tripod to assist you when shooting especially with a telephoto lens.
Congratulation on your decision. I only have one question where did you get either the AF-S 18-55mm or the AF-S 55-200 that they were not VR lens. I have been a Nikon user since 1978 and I bought my wife a Nikon D60 with 2 kit lens and they were the AF-S 18-55 VR and the AF-S 55-200 VR even back then. You might want to check again on your lens as I do not believe if you have a AF-S 18-55 or the AF-S 55-200 that they are not VR.
Well unless you have a tendency to bump into things a lot, no. I have a box full of those rubber camera armor things and to me they just get in the way. I had thought they were great when I first got them, but after awhile I took them off of every camera I had them on. I have about 6 now sitting in a box in some closet somewhere in my house. Just my thought on them you may find them useful I found them to be more in the way.
I have A Nikon D 200 and that 18-200 will work just fine with it. It sure is not that heavy as I have a 70-300 AF-S D and it is much heavier then my 18-200, so I have no idea why he told you that. I have several older AF lens that work great on my D200 and also on my D610 so you should have no problem with it on your D200
I have a Nikon 24-85mm AF-S G FX, DX and 35mm (2002-2006) which I love it is sharp clear and I am glad that is one of the lenses that I carry all the time. Works on ever camera I have including my film camera. Works on My wife D60 my D200 my D300 my D610 and on my F4 and N90s can't get much better then that.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2485afs.htm Look at this review.
No ones business what camera I use.
Many great places to take great photographs in the Fort Myers area. Lovers Key State park is one. Sanabel/Captiva Island, nature park in Fort Myers, you name it there is plenty of great places to use your equipment. Enjoy all of the Gulf side of Florida and out great weather.
This damn subject has been brought up so many times it is starting to make me ill. Try starting this somewhere else if this is all y9ou have to wonder about.
No matter where the lens body was manufactured for Nikon that glass is all manufacture by Nikon pe5riod, I have lens that go back to 1978 the glass in those is the same as my newer AF and AF-S lens. So do not as you say " Not Buying it".
I have several bottles of Kodak lens cleaner and a soft lint free rag at all times in my camera bags. been using that since 1978 works for me.
You are taking a chance buying on eBay from China. I had a very bad experience just buying a Carbon Fiber Tripod from China. After a month of not receiving my tripod I filed for reimbursement from eBay they did reimbursement but it took over a month. Buy from reputable reseller like KEH, Adorama, B&H or on Ebay from Henry's out of Canada. I have had no problem with any of those. They all have a 14 day or better return policy.
You are correct your D5000 does not have an internal drive motor so it will not auto focus an AF type lens.
Go to this sight and make it simple http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d750.htm
I bought the whole bundle well worth the $59 I spent for it considering you not only get Paintshop Pro X7 Ultimate and also Aftershot but many other plug-ins you would ordinarily pay for separately. Also a 2 year online reinstall if you should need it.
I have three Tamrac back packs all of which are made to last a very long time. look at the Tamrac Expedition X5 great for more then one or more camera and several lenses and your other photographic equipment