Today, I received an Email from Nikon USA announcing an instant savings offer for a D5000 2-lens "Outfit", which includes the AF-S DX 18-55 f/3.5-5.6G VR and the AF-S DX 55-200 f/4-5.6G VR lenses, which can now be had for just 5 cts. short of U$ 1.000 (Normal price U$ 1.100. Valid from 28/06 - 11/07).
Optically speaking, I consider the 18-55 lens amazingly good, even though its modest price shows through in its plastic construction, most notably the F-Mount, which is also made of plastic.
The 55-200 gets equally good notes for its optical qualities from reviewers like Thom Hogan, Camera Labs, and my reference site Photozone.de, while being "Editors Choice" at Photo Review Australia.
Considering that this lens can now be had for a mere U$ 150 extra, compared with the standard D5000 / 18-55 Outfit (U$ 850), I'd say that this is a no-brainer indeed.
Lightweight and compact, it gives the user a focal range of 11,1x, equivalent to 27-300 mm. with only 2 lenses - both clearly optically superior to any of the 18-200's, and more than enough in most every occasion.
Highly recommended for anybody who just starts out in the world of DSLR, and those who are looking for a light and compact "travel-kit".