tubes and 500D close lens vs. macro lens

I am trying to get us down to just 3 lens each. The DW likes macro. So was thinking of an extension tube set plus 500D closeup lens as a substitute for dedicate marco lens. The tubes and close up lens will definitely lighter and easier to tote. I would suppose the results of a good macro lens could be superior.

What are your thoughts and comments on the tradeoff?

Extension tubes work, but they are a poor man's macro with limitations that a true 1:1 macro lens will make you wonder why you didn't ditch the tubes earlier.

When I purchased my EF-S 60 macro lens I was amazed at the freedom I gained without tubes. Plus, the 60mm makes a great portrait lens and is extremely sharp! You'll be amazed.

Personally, I would go for the macro lens and forget the tubes.

You have nothing but zooms - bear in mind that with tubes on a zoom, as you zoom, you'll lose focus, so you'll need to refocus which may further complicate the process. Get a good macro, or at least a fastish prime with the tubes but the macro will be cheaper and lighter than the combo. If your wife likes macro, sooner or later you'll have to get her that dedicated lens. Might as well do it sooner and save the extra expense.

Thanks Jon. While a dedicated macro makes sense in the studio or backyard where I would not have to hike around with it...I would rather prioritize bag/backpack space to good zooms as most of our photography is landscapes and wildlife. I will trade in the Tammys for Canon 24-105s. Those combined with the 10-22s and the 100-400s gives us lenses that run the range of 10-400 with with only 3 lenses that use a common 77mm filter set. I know that good primes beat good zooms....but I accept the compromise in order to have a smaller/lighter lens and filter set to drag through airports...and hicking in the southern heat and humidity.

In conclusion, I will not bother with tubes and the 500D. We will continue to use the wife's 100mm 2.8 macro to get up close and personal with flowers and insects in the backyard.