Best lens for new Nikon 3100?

I just got a Nikon 3100 for my daughter. It is her first DSLR. I hear the kit len "18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens" is junk. What is the best lens for a beginner at a reasonable price?

I suggest you start with a 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 The 1.8 lens will be fairly inexpensive and is a great lens to start shooting with.

Some lens snobs have been talking to you. No OEM lens maker sells junk. It is not in their best interest. The 18-55 mm lens is just fine and provides you with the ability to shoot landscapes, group shots and head and shoulder portraits. How well the images turn out is up to you and your skills using a fully adjustable camera.

If you want better reach for shooting both stills and video, the 18-200 mm VR may be the choice you will enjoy the most.

Take your time, visit a camera store and try different lenses on the D3100 before you spend a dime. Enjoy learning how to use your fine new camera and lens(s) of your choice

@Artanith: The 50mm/1, 8 wouldn't autofocus on that camera, so it would be an extremely poor choice for a beginner. 50mm also would be quite long as the starter lens for a crop sensor camera.

You heard wrong, it's a very nice lens