A universal lense, that's better than the 18-55

i don't really have an answer to your question but i just wanted to say that depth of field on the 50mm would have no effect on action or landscape shots. if you want deeper depth of field, just bump up the f-stop and you'll be fine. the problem with the 50mm is more that it's focal length could be tight for some purposes, although i know a lot of people who do good photo and video work of all types with a 50mm.

no such thing as a universal lens, you should have the most diverse kit as possible and 1 lens just doesn't cut it, especially the 18-55...

lol wat

lolwat

fisheye bro

Primes is where it's at.
Get a 50mm f/1.8. I know nothing about Nikon, but I'm pretty sure they have one.

The D3100 comes with the 18-55 VR no matter what, and this is an excellent all-round lens. You could extend the zoom, getting the 18-105 or 18-200, but they are not better than the 18-55, just more zoom. You could also get the pricier Nikon 16-85mm, which is a lot tougher, but seriously it won't take better pictures. You are paying more for a nicer zoom range and stronger construction.

I'm not sure what you mean with your depth-of-field comment. If you want a more shallow depth-of-field, you could get the inexpensive Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens. This one is incredible, but you sacrifice the zoom. Regardless, 35mm is good for most shots, and even as your only lens I would recommend it, because its really that friggin good, and way better than the 18-55.

If you really want a better zoom lens, you're gonna end up paying a lot. For example the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 would be your lens of choice. It's also 10x more expensive than the 18-55.

i love my 16-105mm as a universal lens. i would definitely suggest that as your first/a universal lens

They do. Not sure it'll autofocus with that camera though. You'll need the 50mm f1.4G for that.

Otherwise, the 35/1.8 is awesome, and is a 50mm equivalent on cropped sensors.

if nikon has something in the same range/quality as a conon 24-105L get that

I have an 18-200 3.5-5.6 and while it doesn't really excel at anything, it's pretty good at everything. I first got it as a do everything lens and have since aquired others, but I still use the 18-200 often.  I'm no expert but if you want something that will cover a wide range of focal lengths and stay fairly sharp check it out.

Ya I definitely want something like this for my dslr. way sicker than a kit lens.