Nikon 55-200mm vs Nikon 70-300mm. Would you pick the former, or the latter?

After a longgg period of self debate, I’ve finally decided that I’m going to get the Nikon D3000 D-SLR. I’ve considered the D5000, but frankly, the quality of the Video Mode is probably questionable (not to mention it’s addition to the weight), and I really don’t find it necessary to pay a couple hundred more just for Live View and a rotatable screen.

With that being said, I’m now facing another dilemma. Lenses.

At my local camera shop, there’s two bundles that I’m currently interested in. They both contain the D3000 body and the prestigious (“noobie”) Nikon AF-S 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 G VR DX. However, what sets them apart is that…

- one bundle offers the Nikon AF-S 55–200mm f/4.0–5.6 G VR DX IF-ED Telephoto Lens (retailing for $765.00CAN)

- and the other offers the Nikon AF-S 70–300mm f/4.5–5.6 G IF ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens (retailing for $995.00CAN)

Which should I get??

Personally, I’ve actually had quite a good experience with the 55–200mm. Last year for my ex’s birthday, I bought her a DSLR set similar to the first bundle, but paired it with a D60, and the pictures were fantastic. I took it the zoo, and I managed to get a lot of great close-up shots.

HOWEVER, as great as the 55–200mm is, an increased range of up to 300mm does sound rather tempting. But for $230 more…is it really worth it?

Currently, this is how it’s all jumbled up in my head…

1. If i get the first bundle, I’ll have the full range of 18–200mm covered. (Not to mention that the 55–200mm would probably even work better in low-light too, considering that the 70–300mm’s max ap. is 4.5). If i get the 70–300mm, however, I’ll be missing 55–70mm. Should I be concerned about this? (What’s commonly shot at 55–70mm anyways? Portraits? =S)

2. Aside from the 70–300mm, I don’t think that Nikon makes anything past 200mm for under $1000. I’m afraid that if I do happen to buy the 55–200mm, one day I’m going to regret not having that extra bit of range, and I’m going to go out and pay another $490 for the 70–300mm…something I don’t want to do. Especially considering that I’ve got my eyes set out on the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/3.5 IF ED VR II DX Micro-Nikkor Lens, retailing for $579.95…

The bottom line is, what’s everyone’s take on this? Should I get the second bundle, or will the first bundle suffice?

PS – Does anyone shop at Adorama.com?? I know that they have a sale going on this week, but for some reason…it says that the Nikon warranty is only 1 Year. Shouldn’t it be 5 years?? Is this site legit?? Also. I Live in Canada…how would the whole “Nikon USA warranty” play out for me?