Macro Shots

Hey all. Heres my question. Say ones looking to start doing some macro photography and possibly some telephoto work. What should they start out with. They already have a camera body(Canon 20D). They need a lens and some type of flash. What are the best makes and models. Willing to spend around $500.00.
Please let me know.

I can give an opinion on the Macro, buy a set of extension tubes and use them in conjunction with your Tamron 70-300. You will be amazed at the results. Take a look at my Gallery, there are many shots using the Tamron 28-300 that are quite worthy.

Most macroholics use a dedicated macro lens around 100mm (eg 90mm Tamron, 100mm Canon or 105mm sigma) they are all very sharp lenses. Bald Eagle is the odd one out around here and somehow manages to take excellent shots with his Tamron zoom.
I use the Sigma 105mm EX macro lens. For flash I use the Sigma 500 super DG but use it mounted slightly oddly.
See here for a pic of my rig.
http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lordv/29274672/
I also use a set of extension rings with the macro lens to take the magnification upto 2:1 (eg Kenko although mine are actually Jessops own brand).
Brian V.