macro technique help needed

starky987

So I'm new to photography and had a few macro questions. First is about the lens itself. i don't understand what makes a good macro lens. When I look to purchase a lens I look at how 18mm-200mm measurement. (obviously I'm very new to photography) If a macro lens says 50mm why am I able to take pictures that are incredibly close up? Couldn't I do that with my normal camera lens? I'm also very interested in getting macro lens and was recommended to get the sigma lens. Once I purchase the lens am I ready to hook it up to my camera and start shooting or do I have to do other stuff before I can take good macro shots? I'd really just like to learn about macro photography b/c I am very interested in it. Any help would be appreciated and please don't think I'm a complete idiot, I'm still learning about photography as I go. Thanks

gluwater

Check out the Macro Forum and specifically the sticky at the top. There is a lot of great Macro information in the links in that thread.