I have a 105mm macro. I am not good macro. I know others on this site are great at it.
I tend to go the cheap route, and use +1, 2, and 4 diopters that screw on to a normal lens. For an amatuer, it works great.
Also, a "poor mans" macro (you will see these here also, and I have also tried it) is to remove your lens, and reverse it, holding it close to the body tightly, while opening up the aperture on the little lever "thingy" on the inside part of the lens. It does give great results! Try it! Save your money and buy yourself 100 dozen roses instead!
I also have a 105mm which is great, although for bugs and jumpy critters something longer like a 200mm is probably better. That being said, I'm pretty happy with the 105. I don't do a lot of handheld macro shots, so even though my macro has VR (or in Canon speak - IS), I rarely use it. These are pricey, but for me a great lens to have. I found in my research that the Tamron 90mm was rated pretty highly and was significantly cheaper than my Nikon. Never tried the diopters Chris mentions above, but I've seen some great shots from people that use them. Good luck.
Christina, you might want to try extension tubes. They are inexpensive and get you "closer" to the object. I want to try them too, but I don't have any right now.
I do not do Macro for bugs, in fact I don't even have a real macro lens so I can't help you. HOWEVER, I do follow this gentlemen on flickr and he has some unbelievable work. if you want to take a look at his stuff and maybe even ask a FM question or two. (don't know if he responds as I watch from a far)
I almost got the vapors looking at the pictures Jeff recommended at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordv/ There is no question that Lord V is an expert. I think I'll admire his images from a safe distance!
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I tend to go the cheap route, and use +1, 2, and 4 diopters that screw on to a normal lens. For an amatuer, it works great.
Also, a "poor mans" macro (you will see these here also, and I have also tried it) is to remove your lens, and reverse it, holding it close to the body tightly, while opening up the aperture on the little lever "thingy" on the inside part of the lens. It does give great results! Try it! Save your money and buy yourself 100 dozen roses instead!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lordv/