Another vote for the Tamron. I have it on my D200 and it is fantastic. I have not used the others so I cannot compare but I don't feel that I need to. Plus the Tamron works great as an everyday lens too. I shoot alot of pictures of my kid with it.
As far as bags, the Lowepro line is good stuff. I use a Tamrac and I really like it as well.
As far as bags, the Lowepro line is good stuff. I use a Tamrac and I really like it as well.