Is the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G Ed If AF-S DX VR a good lens all around?

I want something with greater focal length I can use for portraits and landscapes. Is this a good lens?

Yeah, but it's not that wide.

If you want a great "all around" lens, look at the 18-200mm VR lens

Its an OK lens. One issue is the small and variable aperture. Getting an aperture that is a fixed f/2.8 or better would be ideal as it would give you more flexibility in using depth of field creatively as well as getting faster shutter speeds for low light situations or stop motion.

Zoom lenses are never as optimal as their fixed focal length equivalent. Especially zooms that cover a wide range. The construction of a zoom lenses have some optical sacrifices to make them zoom. However for their convenience a smaller zoom will give a crisper image from center to the edges through out the zoom range.

I would suggest a zoom in the 24mm-70mm range and a second in the 70mm-200mm(max).

If prices is an issue Sigma makes some great F2.8 lenses at a good price and are made with glass elements similar to the high end Nikons. Check out their EX series lenses. If you are considering the above lens you would be more than thrilled with any of the sigma EX lenses!

Buy good lenses. It makes the difference. If I could choose between the best camera or the best lenses. I'd go with the best lenses.

For portraits, it's a decent lens. You'd need the 18-55 for the landscape shots. They are both "kit" lenses. They work, but are not the greatest lenses, they are made as starters. Use the 18-55 and 55-200 until you can get some better lenses.

here's some more on lenses:

http://www.cgipix.com/Cameras_Lenses_Photography_Equipment_Affordable_Gear.htm

For the price you pay for it is outstanding!

Not much good for landscapes though