Hello, just got my k-x and i'm looking at taking macro shots for my sch work but the thing is that i've seen macro lens wayyy over my budget for now.
Any cheaper ones that i can get that is equally good compared to the original macro lens?
what others have said.
there are two routes to this, either psuedo macro lens (which actually just work like normal lens with built in extension tubes that's all), like the sigma 70-300 macro or tamron version will give you 2:1, not full macro, but it will be good enough for closeups.
the trouble with these lenses are that for the longer ones which are able to give 2:1 magnification, they tend to be soft.
this is shot with longko's sigma 70-300 on k100d.
the other route, which is better for preservation of image quality, is to do add-ons.
reverse rings + extension tubes (not combinatino of two, please) will be the best choice, though there are compromises.
to have control over dof you will need lenses with aperture ring for extension tubes i think. here are some examples i have with a 50mm fa f/1.4 being used.
the next best option is macro adaptors like that of raynox, they will cost more but should retain AF if you have AF on the lens.
the last option which is about same cost as reversal ring/extension tubes, but degrade image quality visibly.. while allowing you af, would be macro filters.