What gear to get for a new DSLR owner?

[Unsung]

I'm new to DSLR photography with the arrival of my Nikon D3100 today. I'm already set on the lenses I plan to purchase later on (which is why I spent not as much on the body). However, I'm not certain of what accessories would be good investments. I'd like to spend not too much on accessories. I have these possibilities down so far:
Filters (Would a UV filter be useful to protect my lens at all times? Of course, I'm not using film and the UV filter can degrade image quality slightly. I could use a lens hood. I am planning on polarizer(s) and ND filter(s).)
Camera bag (I do not plan to move my equipment often, but is one worth having? What would be a good method to carry around a second lens while outside?)
Carbon fiber tripod (Around ~$70. Since a DSLR is considerably more massive than a point-and-shoot, I'm not sure if this will keep the camera considerably safer than my cheapo tripod.)
JOBY Gorillapod (Is one worth it for a DSLR? It's definitely highly portable and relatively inexpensive.)
Monopod (What kind of events that don't allow tripods and extra uses that would make this worth it?)
Camera flash (I'm leaning towards not; I don't think the D3100 supports wireless flashes built-in anyways. These can get more expensive than the lenses I plan to get and my light bulbs are enough for still life.)
Spare battery (I don't spend much time away from a charger, but is it good to have as a backup?)
And any other useful equipment.

 

[joealcantar]

I would say a Rocket Blaster is good to have on hand should you have a dirty sensor.
Giottos Large Black Rocket Blaster (7.5 Long) get the large one.
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Shoot well, Joe

 

[KmH]

Good luck finding a decent Carbon Fiber tripod for $70.

I have a used aluminum tripod http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...tos-professional-aluminum-mt-9360-tripod.html and a tripod head http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...04rc2-tripod-head-w-quick-release-plates.html for sale.

The D3100 does not have Nikon's CLS IR wireless Commander mode for controlling/firing off camera Nikon flash units that don't have an optical trigger mode.

A camera bag/case is essential. You really need to carry more than just a second lens.

 

[analog.universe]

You do need a bag, but it doesn't have to be crazy. Your tripod on the other hand, should be pretty crazy. $70 won't even get you close unfortunately.. Carbon fiber is expensive, and you really are paying for the weight more than anything. A nice aluminum tripod will get you better stability on a budget. I would wait on the monopod, and gorillapod, and flash, and save up for a tripod that will last you forever. Rock solid support is irreplaceable, and will allow you to get the full performance out of your lenses.

 

[Erik638]

This is going to sound stupid but one of my favorite accessories is a camera strap. A black rapid RS-7. It makes carrying my camera around all day unnoticeable compared to a traditional neck strap.

 

[KmH]

Good point. I have used a Black Rapid strap for years. so many years they are RS-2 straps.

Black Rapid straps are a sling type strap that goes over the shoulder, not around the neck.

www.blackrapid.com