Best Overall Lens for Nikon d5100?

I'm buying the Nikon D5100 but I'm not sure whether to go with just the body and buy my own lens or just get the regular 18-55mm kit lens and body as a package?

If I were to buy my own lens I want it to be good for close ups and distance shots of things such as animals. Which lens do you recommend?

18-200mm is the best over-all lens.

Just get the 18-55 VR for now. In a few months, you'll know whether you want a telephoto lens, a wider lens, or a macro lens.

The lens you are describing sound like the Nikon 18-200.It's an all around lens, but because of it's broad zoom range the image quality is compromised. Don't let that discourage you though: most people find the images it produces acceptable.

If you really want a lens that will help you out in photography, and also produce excellent image quality, then you need a prime lens. The nikon 35mm 1.8g dx is the best bang for the buck. Prime lenses don't zoom, you have to step closer to the subject or step back. It will make you think more about your shots.