Hi Sarah, run before you can walk . . .
we all try it, and no cash either . . . :nono:
I'm no great shakes at macro, although I do dabble, when the mood takes me. I have tried various ways but not the dedicated macro lens rout, no cash, and as I'm not so fascinated, I cant justify the money in my mind :shrug:
I've got some of the macro filters, they work best on smaller lenses, in my case I used them on a Panasonic G1 52mm lens front. I tried them on my 18-70, not so good IMHO. I have a set of Kenko tubes, limited success on the 18-70, the lens has to get to close to the subject!
Never used a Ranox 250, however, if I was 'splashing the cash', at the price I think its the best solution, not perfect but I'd give it a go.
However, the cheapest 'way in', is use the superb 'sharp' capabilities of your 18-70, at full 70mm, get up close, the camera will tell you when you are to close, and when it gives 'in focus', back off an inch, refocus then press the shutter, job don. I then cheat and crop into the picture with PS Elements v.7. It has already been said, closeups and macro are very unforgiving so be prepared for some frustration.
Results are OK by my standards, here are some samples:
D80/18-70mm tight crop
D5000/18-70mm tight crop
D5000/18-70 tight crop
D40x 18-70 tight crop, the flower is not much bigger than a glass headed pin . . .
Nothing exciting to the macro specialist, but I get satisfaction from them, they will not blow up much, but then, I only view on the computer screen. Its a way in while you get your feet under the table and learn to walk
My only concern would be how tight you can crop in on the D70 picture with its 6mp sensor before 'jaggies' become visible?
By the way I have not used any flash, you risk getting a shadow from the lens, a ring or remote flash is best if you become serious.
Just my two-penneth and my personal opinion . . .
CJS