Thanks.
The 55-200 VR is a screaming buy for any Nikon user, at only about $200.
It is EXTREMELY sharp.
I shot the above image RAW, and the only sharpening I applied was my standard "just because RAW doesn't put ANY sharpening on it" level of sharpening... in fact, the picture didn't need it so I almost didn't put ANY on.
I own the $1700 (US) 70-200 VR which is an amazingly sharp lens, and the 55-200 VR is every bit as sharp... not bad for a lens that costs 1/8th of what the 70-200 costs. Please don't misunderstand, the 70-200 is a VASTLY superior lens in just about every way, but there are some things that the 55-200 beats it on.
It is just as sharp, the VR works just as well, and it weighs in about 2 pounds less. Carrying around a 70-200 VR all day is WORK, whereas the 55-200 VR weighs NOTHING, especially on a D40.
I use it all the time as part of my "travel" setup, which is the 55-200 VR, the 18-55 VR and a D40.
I also use it a lot at small zoos and zoos where everything is outdoors, where the advantages of the 70-200 are not as apparent.
The 55-200 VR is, in my humble opinion, the best lens for the money that Nikon makes, bar none, if you have a need for it.
HIGHLY recommended.