donweiner Loc: Boston

I am new here but value the advise given here by others. I have a Nikon D3100 with the kit lenses (18-55 and 55-200) and just bought a Tamron 18-270. Looking for suggestions on accessories such as gear bags, tripods, extension tubes or any other recommended equipment for someone new to the hobby (trying to keep busy in my retirement).

bucks Loc: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Welcome to the Hog, sorry I am a Sony user, but someone will give you some good advice.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Where are you (says in hiding)

If you dont want to carry a lot then The Think Tank 50 will hold a D3199 and 400mm lens with flash easily.

I also have four of the best bags I have found and always look out for them on ebay, the Lowepro Mini (NOT MICRO) trekker all weather (aw)

When I am out flash gear in one, cameras in another, video gear in another, they are superb and as little as £19 pre owned mint on ebay

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

With the front pockets of the Lowepro there is also room for flash and there is a tripod mount not just straps, and inside the cover three compartments for filters etc

The Think tank also has a waist belt

http://www.thinktankphoto.com/

But being a top quality make are not cheap

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

My most valued accessory is Lightroom. I'm still using version 3, but I hear spectacular things about version 4

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Would also help if we knew your area of interest

donweiner Loc: Boston

I am not "in hiding", but live in the Boston area. My areas of photography interest are nature, scenery, architecture....basically, anything that catches my eye

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Ah then you won't need a massive zoom, to be honest what you have is more than adequate, I would be more inclined towards a good Manfrotto/Giottos set of legs and a decent head, and a quality flashgun.

krispix Loc: London - UK

Welcome to the world of never-ending expenditure. In principal it doesn't matter what you buy it will all, ultimately, be inadequate.
Most of us have several (even many) bags. All of which were the 'ultimate' at the moment of purchase. After a while things settle down a bit and you find that 3 or 4 bags will fit any situation that may arise. Similarily, Tripods don't fit the 'General Purpose' category. I have 5 and use them all in different circumstances. The only advice I can give you is "Buy Cheap, Buy Twice", this is particularly true with tripods. Get a good set of legs and they'll last you for many years, probably outliving your camera (and the next one!). I had a Manfrotto for over 30 years and would still have it (and use it) today if some scumbag hadn't stolen it.
Last word on Extension Tubes. With the lenses you have you will have to buy the more expensive tubes, with electronic connection, as the lenses do not have manual control. These will set you back $100+. Do not be tempted to buy one of the many cheap ($25) sets out there.
Good luck and keep posting your questions here.

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

Based on your interests, I think your first purchase should be a good, sturdy carbon fiber tripod, probably with a ball head. It forces you to think a little about each shot in addition to holding your camera steady.

heyjoe Loc: cincinnati ohio

you may need to go back to work to pay for this hobby,$$$$$

mickeys Loc: Fort Wayne, IN

tripod should be a good one no kmart, ect. must have good solid legs. bag should be weather proof and can hold what gear you have now. might want to get a flash that you can bounce off walls, ceiling that goes onto your camera.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Where you go from here will (should) be dictated by you interests- what you can't do with you current camera and/or lenses. As suggested a good tripod and remote shutter release and perhaps a monopod may be useful. Also a you may need a bag of some sort to carry your stuff around if you set out without a clear idea of your needs for the day. But before you get too involved with additional equipment you might want to look into post processing. Lightroom was already suggested and I second that. Great software to start with as it has wonderful cataloging capabilities, does an awful lot well and works well with other software you might feel the need for in the future.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Sorry: replace "your" for "you" where appropriate. Haven't finished my coffee yet :)

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

Tripod, I would send you looking at Induro ct214 and a good head