First macro lens?

Any one lens and any one ext. tube will give you a very limited range of usefullness. But capable of delivering nice results. Real macro lenses, IMO are all about convienence -you get infinity down to 1:2 or !:1 and anything inbetween.

all newer macro lenses are great. The Canon 100/2.8 especially so. most others aren't internal focusing. Highly recommend it.

Now I understand the real difference. Thanks!

Murphy's Law: You will take 1 lens and 2 extension tubes into the woods. Either gives you a range of (I'm making this up now....) .44 to .53 and .67 to .75. The first mushroom you run into will require either .61 or .78. Do not get me wrong, ext. tubes are a great deal as they do produce quality images at a small expense. A true macro lens is a nice thing to have, not IQ wise, but convienence wise.