I just pulled the trigger and bought a bunch of stuff... can't wait! Ended up getting a used Nikon 55-200mm VR lens for $115, Hoya 52mm HMC UV filter for $15, Nikon SB-600 for $165, and the Yongnuo CTR-301P trigger/receiver for $21 all on eBay with cashback.

But since I'm kind of new to strobist stuff, do you guys recommend getting a small tripod or something for the flash? I don't think I'm going to invest in a big umbrella set up or anything. But I was thinking about getting an off-brand 10" gorillapod for $12 since the trigger has the 1/4" screw hole at the bottom. Would this be a decent alternative?

Welcome to the forum, Narin. Good call with the SB-600 and 55-200. There was a recent thread on wireless flash triggers.
http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=1833

Since i have the D5000 the 18-55 and the 18-200 VR I would say go with either the 55-200 or the 70-300. I haven't used either, but the 18-55 is decent and unless you really hate switching lenses you won't gain much from the 18-200 lens except not having to change lenses. I like the range of the 18-200, but the sharpness isn't as great as I hoped. I guess I tend to use it at 200mm a bit so that could be the problem. Personally I always feel the need for more range so the 70-300 would suit me better for animal pictures and things. I think with the 18-55, 35, and 70-300 would be a decent arsenal until you can afford a lower f stop lens.

I have heard good things about the SB600 also and I will be getting one as soon as I save up.

Thanks for you guys advice! I think I'm gonna go ahead and take gelu88's advice with getting the 55-200mm VR and the SB-600.

I'm kind of new to flash units, but correct me if I'm wrong, but my D5000 doesn't have a commander unit and so in order for me to use the SB-600 off camera, I'd have to get the SU 800, but that thing is pretty expensive. And looking at costs, wouldn't it be more economical to just upgrade and get the SB-800/900?

After researching a little bit, I found the Cactus V2S & Yongnuo CTR-301P wireless triggers, which would replace my need for the SU 800 and I could use the SB-600 with my D5000 off-camera. Does anybody have any experience with these triggers? And what would you guys recommend? Just go with the SB-800/900 or get the SB-600/Cactus V2S/Yongnuo CTR-301P wireless triggers?

Thanks!

I'd say go for a sb-600. while a new flash is coming, and perhaps soon, there is nothing much to gain except a better UI. plus the buttons on the sb-600 are not THAT bad, in my opinion.

Just like the SB-800 remains a highly desired flash even with the SB-900, the sb-600 should still do fine. I got mine last month and its been AMAZING. bounce flash has completely change my expectations.

i got mine used, and it works great. as long as at looks undamaged and you can test it, you should be alright.

The 70-300 certainly provides more IQ, but in addition to the price, its significantly heavier and larger. If you think you will use the length, then go for it. Though given the fact that you've never shot longer than 55mm, i'd start cheap.

I've had the 55-200 for a couple of years now and its been decent. plus the fact that it's soo light makes me use it more than i'd otherwise.

$140 seems a very good price for a 55-200, as long as your sure its VR. i'd get that used. Then, if that leaves you wanting more, get the 70-300.

Micro just means you can focus close, all those lenses do a great job for portraits, though if you dont do any macro its a waste of money. The 85mm 1.8D, 50mm 1.8D and the 50mm 1.4G all are cheaper and have larger apertures. Although all 3 of the macros have AF-S while only the 50mm 1.4G does.

to answer your final question, NO. there are no "decently priced" portrait lenses that are AF-S

SB-600 is a nice flash and I doubt new one will have anything significantly better but the ergonomics and it will be significantly more expensive so I would go for SB-600 today.
70-300 is much better lens then 55-200, longer, sharper, better VR and it has metal mount so it is more robust, but if it is a bit to expensive 55-200 will give you pretty decent pictures too. 18-200 is not so good if you are after image quality it is not too bad either and if you do not want switching lenses it is very good all around lens.
Lenses you mentioned are Macro lenses and that means you could focus really close with them and make 1:1 sized shots, on DX it means that 10mm subject like the insect or the flower will fill you picture. They are not portrait lenses but could be used, portrait lenses are usually faster (f/1.8 or better). On DX you could use AF-S 50mm f/1.4 for portraits, but you could do it with 70-300 also.

Hi all! I'm new to the forums, semi-new to photography, and I was looking for advice you guys could give me.

I've had my D5000, 18-55mm kit lens, and 35 f/1.8G lens for a while now. And I'm graduating college in the next month, have a pretty nice job waiting for me, so I thought I'd might splurge on some new equipment to add to my measly arsenal.

Looking at my gear, I noticed that I had a couple of things missing. First, I'd really like to invest in an off-camera flash unit, ie. SB-600. But looking around, I read rumors that it had been discontinued and there was supposed to be a replacement coming soon. Do you guys happen to know a general time frame as to when this flash is going to be announced/released? Should I wait until then and pay ~$250 for the new flash or just get a used SB-600 from eBay/craigslist for ~$190?

Also, I feel like I need a 55mm+ lens to complete my kit, and I was looking at three lenses: 55-200mm VR, 70-300mm VR, and the 18-200mm VR II. The 55-200mm VR would be the most economical choice as I can probably snag a used/refurb for ~$140. The 70-300mm VR looks really nice, but at ~$400, it seems like a big investment. And lastly, I could sell my 18-55mm kit lens for ~$100 and buy the 18-200mm VR II lens for ~$500, netting me at ~$400. Which option do you guys think is the best bang for your buck? Is the 70-300mm VR really worth $250 more than the 55-200mm VR?

And lastly, I know that having a D5000 kind of limits me to AF-S lenses. And looking around, I noticed that the only portrait sized lenses were dubbed Micro by Nikon, ie. 105mm /f2.8G, 85mm f/3.5G, 60mm f/2.8G. What does the Micro tag entail with these lenses? Would they be fairly decent with taking portraits or are they specifically to be used to macro photography? Do you guys have any recommendations for decently priced AF-S portrait lenses that are fairly fast - I'm definitely spoiled by my 35mm f/1.8G.

Thanks so much!