I think the 18-55 isnt a VR as for the 55 -200mm i have the sigma one with no VR, I also have the 18-200mm with VR but have never used the VR switch

I dont know how heavy your old camera is the D300 is very heavy trust me having it round your neck hurts i would recommend a new neck strap i use the OP/TECH pro webbing strap
also a sturdy tripod like a manfrotto 190xpro B but not the 496rc2 head as its not strong enough to hold the D300 it will soon wear and be useless after 3 months look for a 3 way head something like the 804rc2

you dont have to buy new look on ebay another good tripod make is Giotts

I have set all my colour modes up myself on my D300 ans also done a copywrite in camera on each image