I bought my first camera aprox 1 year ago.. Nikon D3100 + the 18-55mm lens which comes with it - and I've gotten to know a lot more about taking photographs.
Now is the time where I need a new lens, and a bag to carry it all in.

The lens should handle light better than my 18-55mm, which currently won't let me go above 1/200 with the flash - that's the camera and not the lens, yes?
I've looked at a Sigma '70-300mm f/4-5.6 SLD DG' - because I feel the need to be able to zoom in more. I'm all about the details !
Also, the 'Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD' caught my interest

How do you reckon they will handle low light situations? Such as parties or outdoor stuff in the evening.

I have approx 300-400$ max - and keep in mind, everything is a little more expensive where I live (Denmark) compared to USA.
Also, I'm clueless when it comes to the bag, I can't find jack shit..

Help appreciated

A few of my pics below:

If I were to look past my need for zoom, I could settle for a 'Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX' which should make shooting in low light okay.

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2183/AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-35mm-f%252F1.8G.html

I've also found 'NIKON AF-S DX 55-200MM VR' to look promising, compared to the Sigma and Tamron I listed earlier in the thread.


Thoughts?

Low light situations bring you to a scenario where you either need a big apperture lens, or a high quality high iso camera. The cheapest upgrade is going for primes lens, specially the 1.8 apperture ones. As for the bag, it really is a personal matter, and depends on where you'll be needing. You said you live in denmark, so I'd strongly suggest a sturdy one with good weather protection

Such as the one I linked?

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2183/AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-35mm-f2F1.8G.html

How does it do low lightning compared to the 55mm kit?

getting a prime would mean no zoom, unless you walk closer, which is not always an issue, but something you need to consider for the type of shot you want. the low-light performance will be better than the kit lens, but it also comes with shorter dof, if you choose to shoot at 1.8 or close to it, and at 1.8 details could become softer than you would like. alternatives would be to use a tripod + longer time, but then you need to account for movement, or you could get more light...i rarely try and shoot over ISO 1600 because pictures become too noisy.

for a bag, get one that fits all the stuff you need/want and you wouldnt mind carrying around for hours. for me, i just use a random leather messenger bag.

for bag.. i got lowepro. they have any size u migth need.. totally worth the money
for lens ... i d stay away from brands like sigma/tamrom.. especially last one. not necessarily because they are low quality, but if you even wana sell them and upgrade to a better telephoto.. i doubt somebody will buy them adn even if you not gonna get to much for. better invest in a nikon.

dont use incamera flash >.<