Newbie Macro Question

[rider1]

Thanks in advance for viewing my thread. I am interested in getting involved in Macro, mostly for flowers and the like. I don't have a lot of $$$, kids in college... anyway I've looked at the Canon 60, as well as the Sigma, and Tamron equivalents and i'm convinced they would all do the job for me. My question involves whether I could make do with extension tubes and my current lenses. I own the 350D, Tamron 2.8 17-50 and the Canon 4.0 70-200L. Your experience and thoughts on this are greatly appreciated. 1:1 is the goal, but I would settle for less to spend less.

[nicksan]

Tubes would work well for these lenses.
I use tubes on my 85 1.8 and get fantastic results.

[philthejuggler]

In some ways the 70-200 F4 L is a great macro option with extension tubes on. You end up using the zoom for focussing. The results should be good, but a macro lens wil be more convenient, although the 70-200 would give a greater working distance than a 60mm macro.

[evandavies]

A set of tubes will be the cheapest way to start in macro and will give you an idea of how its done. A good tripod and remote release is also recommended. The results should be very good and if you want to advance then you can get a dedicated macro lens.

Here is an example of Kenko tubes with Canon 100-400

[rider1]

Thanks to all who replied. I guess i should have asked which tubes as well.

[evandavies]

Different lighting (flash held underneath)