Wow!
This is an incredibly comprehensive article.
I don't know enough about this stuff to speculate whether you may have left out any potential budget-macro-methods, but it seems as though this article may just be the best go-to resource on the internet right now. How fortunate for ATP and very much!

I can honestly declare that I have never been inclined to fool around with such craziness like putting lenses on backward or screwing lenses together--egads!--but, in addition to the depth and wealth of information here, there is also some kind of unique 'permission' and encouragement to experiment that pervades the article--almost like anyone can do it

Clearly, you put a ton into this.
Again,
Thank You!

Boy! I sure wished I had a DSLR camera! I'd certainly be trying out some of your suggestions!

Excellent article with so many awesome examples!

Thank you for the time and effort you put into writing this article! I really enjoyed it!

I enjoyed it too. Very interesting and a lot to absorb. But each time I read something about cameras, I learn a little more and that is the whole point. I have always relied on my camera macro and super macro mode to take pictures, but now that my main camera (Canon S5 IS) is giving me lens errors, I am considering a dSLR or a Compact Digital System camera. Not sure which way I am going yet, but probably will be getting a new camera next spring. Still have my Canon PowerShot A650 (secretly hoping it bites the dust too), so I can't justify spending $1200 on a new one just yet.

I don't have a DSLR camera either but have plans to get one. Lawnless, I have to thank you for this article as it's amazing! I learned more from this AND WAS ABLE TO FOLLOW MORE OF THIS than anything camera related that I have ever read. You did loose me down the line but that was to be expected with me not knowing diddly in the first place. I am positive I will come back & read this again & again & again and each time I will understand a bit more. You put so much time, effort & thought into this. Thank you!

Asa, Thanks so much for putting this all in focus for us. I don't think that's exactly a pun... I had gotten an inexpensive lens set and then of course let it sit on my desk. So once more you've gotten rid of my excuses. And I have new plants that need some close-up shots. Since I'm truly stuck inside now for the rest of the winter unless it's a VERY mild one, close-ups of indoor plants it will be.

Again, MR