| Joined: | Sun Apr 1st, 2012 |
| Location: | South Lakeland, UK |
| Posts: | 4066 |
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The 18-55 is a zoom lens, the close up lenses are intended to screw onto the front of your camera lens just like a filter. There are many different sizes of thread, 52mm, 55mm, 62mm, 67mm, etc. You can get adaptors from one size to another. I think your lens has a 52mm thread, so if I am right, all you need is an adaptor from 52mm (lens) to 55mm (filter). You should get one cheaply in any local friendly camera shop.
As for the suitability of screw on close up lenses, OK, they are't perfect, the quality may not match the rest of the gear, lens and camera, but as a starters kit it is a good and inexpensive way to have a go at close up photography. A set usually comprises of 1, 2, and 3 diopter lenses and sometimes a 5 diopter, which can be a bit extreme for most needs.
You CAN fit older lenses on the D3100, I regularly use my old 55mm Micro Nikkor on the D3100 BUT ONLY in fully manual mode, which as a beginner might be a bit much for you. I have even used my 300mm f2.8 MF lens on my D3100, and been surprised by the quality of the images.
For close up work I recommend a good solid tripod, focus is critical when you get close in. With the D3100 you have a secret weapon... Turn on live view by turning the lever top right of the screen, then zoom in on the detail with the magnifier button (I don't mean zoom the lens!) if you turn off the autofocus (AF) you should be able to focus exactly on what you want because you can zoom right in to the detail on the screen. Focus the lens manually and you should see the parts you want sharp snap into focus when you rotate the focus ring on the lens. All this is much easier with a tripod. And easier to do than explain!
The main thing is to relax and have fun. This digital film is free, if you mess up it didn't cost a dime. When you get it right it's very rewarding.
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Robert.