What zoom lens would be better on a d5000?

I'm looking at 3 right now. Not sure of how far I'd like to go with distance, but bear with me. There's the 55-200mm VR Af-S lens, and that's about $210.00. The 55-300mm VR AF-S lens and that's about $330.00. Last is the 70-300mm AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens. I'm sure the 70-300 doesn't have VR or autofocus, but it does run for $120.00. Which would be best for a d5000?

The best of the 3 is the 55-300. The normal 70-300 f/4-5.6G lens is not a good lens. If you could get it for $20, it might not be bad. Really for $330, save up a little more, do some Craigslist or Ebay shopping and see if you can't get a used 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR. Its far superior quality than any of the other 3. I haven't seen a 55-300 physically, but my guy at the camera store gave me the impression that its pretty similar to the 55-200mm which is at best, a decent consumer grade lens. So go with D) none of the above. The 70-300mm VR lens is AF-S, so it will work with your camera and everything. Way better value.

The 70-300mm AF doesn't have an internal autofocus motor and won't autofocus on your D5000. The only 70-300mm that does, is the 70-300mm AF-S VR, and that runs about $500.

The 55-200mm is very compact and gives you a nice extension over your kit lens. The 55-300mm give you a longer reach, but is a larger lens.

Here's a couple of reviews for you.
55-200mm AF-S VR:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/...0mm-vr.htm
And the 55-300mm AF-S VR:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/...-300mm.htm
And finally, the 70-300mm AF-S VR:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/...300-vr.htm

Only you can decide if the price and size difference work for you. Bring your D5000 into a camera shop and see how your camera handles with each lens.

BTW, here's a refurbished 70-300mm AF-S VR for $349.95.
http://www.adorama.com/...AFVRR.html

Sigma 150-500mm