In article <4e13jf$rm6@risky.ecs.umass.edu>, sobanerj says...

>I have a Canon EOS system, and have benn recently attracted to macro
>photograhy. I am quite overwhelmed by the range of equipments
>available, and would like to know what exactly to buy. More >specifically, I have the following questions:

> 1. How much magnification can a "macro" lens alone give? I understand >that is would vary with the focal length.
---Almost all "macro" lenses, regardless of focal length, give you
---either 1/2 life size or life size on the film (2"x3" or 1"x1.5"
---subject area photographed).

> 2. When is the reversing ring used? Can it be used with zoom lenses?
>I have heard it is used when magnification greater than 1:1 is needed.
---Yes, and it can be used with most lenses, but it is very awkward,
---and lens performance is not generally ideal, in my experience.

> 3. What *exactly* are extension tubes for? Can it be used with zoom >lenses? Similarly for bellows. Can they be used along with the macro >lenses to get greater magnification?
---Extension tubes and bellows "extend" the focusing mount of a lens
---to provide closer than normal focus. Tubes usually provide moderate
---extension (and often maintain auto-diaphram operation). Bellows
---are a special use item, often providing too much extension at
---minimum length, and far more than you can use at maximum extension.
---(They are good for use with short-mount lenses which can provide
---infinity focus, or for use with special lenses when extreme ---magnifications are needed.) Most lenses (other than macro lenses
---and slower normal lenses) do not perform ideally on extension ---devices.

> 4. When would one use close-up lenses? Is is just for close focusing, >implying it would not give higher magnification (>1)?
---Close-up lenses, except 2-element achromats, generally perform
---poorly, though may be a cheap solution for moderate close-ups at
---smaller f-stops (even the achromats require considerable stopping
---down for good performance).

> 5. Are the above mutually exclusive? Which is the most quality/price >effective solution?
---Tubes, achromats, and teleconverters may be combined (especially at
---f11-16) for shooting smaller areas (though, generally, the results
---are best when they are added to macro lenses, which give the best
---results before adding any of the above items). Finding combinations
---of lenses and close-up add-ons that work well is a matter of trial
---and error, alas - there is no predicter of results, except that
---smaller stops will help cover some optical ills.

---Hope This Helps