Thread: Macro

I think your 18-200 Nikkor zoom has a 77mm filter thread - in which case the full set of Hoya close up lenses looks like this

Hoya 72mm Close Up 1+2+4 Filter Set - Digital Camera Warehouse Australia

I'm not sure if these are available individually rather than a set - if they are, I'd suggest starting out with just the +2 lens. This should give you good close up capability, would be the cheapest way to give macro a try, and provided you use f8 - f11 aperture you should get good sharp results. You'll need that sort of aperture to get much depth of field (i.e. bug in focus....)

Your lens has VRII Vibration Reduction, so you might be surprised at what you can get away with handheld without flash. Once you do decide you need flash for macro the possibilities are endless. Doesn't need to be hi-tech; see what this guy does with a regular flashgun, coke cans, and kitchen roll

Flickr: Discussing Experimental diffuser for macro made from coca-cola cans in Macro Viewers

All you have to do is find some way to diffuse the light a bit.

Nice lens you have there. I have a Nikkor 18-135 as my "one lens" walkaround outfit, but sometimes wish it just had that bit more reach. With the 18-200 you've got everything covered, and it focusses down quite close on its own (as you have already found).