Looking for a zoom lens for Nikon D3100?

I'm planning to get a zoom lens for my Nikon D3100.
Please advise. Kindly note that I'm not a pro.

My options are given below:

- 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF DX VR
- 55-300MM VR DX

Please feel free to recommend others also.

I'd go with the 18-200mm.

One thing you should realize is that like any super-zoom lenses, the 18-200 will be a bit soft in certain areas, especially when used wide open.

Here is a review of the 18-200mm vs. The combo of a 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses. Might give you some insite.

http://www.althephoto.com/lenses/super-zooms.php

If you bought your D3100 with a lens and that lens is the 18-55mm kit lens, then that's already a zoom lens. If you want to make distant objects seem closer to you, get a longer focal length lens, one that's longer than 55mm. 300mm should be enough for most people who want it. You would be better off getting a 55-300mm or a 70-300mm. Be aware that very long zoom lenses like the 18-200mm, 18-270mm and 18-300mm, have low optical quality. Blame that to science.

http://keerok-photography.blogspot.com/2011/05/lenses-so-many-of-them-there-is-no-best.html