woefulwabbit
New Member
$1027 is on the high side, since the quotes from the other shops are inclusive of GST as reported by other members, but anyway, I won't worry about it now, just go out and take pictures! 
The blinking red light means that camera is unable to focus on the object, either because there is insufficient light for the AF phase detection to work, or because the subject is closer than the minimum focus distance of the lens (25cm for the kit lens). Since you are trying to do macro, most likely it's the latter.
If you zoom your lens to max telephoto at 55mm, then at 25cm you get about 1:3 magnification which is quite good, but max aperture at f/5.6 is not optimal. If you are really into macro shots, then a macro lens capable of 1:1 magnification will be the next step... it will cost some money of course. Or if you are adventurous enough, there are alternative macro methods that are cheaper, like reverse mounting lens, extension tubes and closeup filters. For myself, I'm using a Raynox DCR-250 closeup filter.

The blinking red light means that camera is unable to focus on the object, either because there is insufficient light for the AF phase detection to work, or because the subject is closer than the minimum focus distance of the lens (25cm for the kit lens). Since you are trying to do macro, most likely it's the latter.
If you zoom your lens to max telephoto at 55mm, then at 25cm you get about 1:3 magnification which is quite good, but max aperture at f/5.6 is not optimal. If you are really into macro shots, then a macro lens capable of 1:1 magnification will be the next step... it will cost some money of course. Or if you are adventurous enough, there are alternative macro methods that are cheaper, like reverse mounting lens, extension tubes and closeup filters. For myself, I'm using a Raynox DCR-250 closeup filter.