Good Cheap way to do Macro photography for a Nikon D5000?

Alright, I have a nikon d5000 and I want a cheap way to do macro. I don't want to use a lens adapter to put the lens backwards but something else. I was thinking about Macro filters but I'm not for sure. I wanted to really use extension tubes but I heard they wouldn't work on a nikon d5000, but if you know of one please tell me. Or maybe a cheap lens. My budget is probably 100$. And by the way I'm only 15.

Diopter filters will work, but produce the worse images

Look for some extension tubes that will couple with your AF-S lens and camera like the Kenko DG Auto Extension Tube Set for the Nikon AF Mount.

This approach will give you the highest quality images for the least cost.

The problem is they cost closer to $200 for a full set

I found another set, Zeikos ZE-CVAFN Auto Focus Macro Extension Tubes for Nikon and they cost less than $100

Here are your options from cheapest to most expensive:
1. Use close-up filters. You can even stack them for higher magnification. Very poor picture quality.
2. Reverse the lens. Use a reverse adapter to do this. You will lose all auto functions.
3. Extension tubes + existing lens. Magnification depends on length of the tube. You can stack tubes. Auto functions available depending on model.
4. Bellows + existing lens. Magnification level more controlled. You lose all auto functions.
5. Buy a real Macro lens. Best picture quality.

Check eBay.com and bhphotovideo.com for prices.

Macro reversing rings are pretty much a waste of money. The only one any good is made by Canon, and it's $150 or so. That money would be better spent on a better solution.

You probably won't be able to use a reversing ring as you need a lens that has a manual ring for adjusting the aperture, such as the AF 50mm f/1.8 - but I doubt you have this lens as you can't autofocus it on your D5000.

I have seen people that jamb a folded piece of paper into the aperture control arm on the lens, but this is Mickey-Mouse to me.

Therefore your best bet is a set of Kenko extension tubes, but you are now in the $200 range. There are cheaper extension tubes, some costing as little as $20, but they won't work very well on your lens as like before, unless you have a lens with an aperture ring, you will not be able to adjust the aperture. The Kenko tubes at least allow your camera to control the lens.

And you can buy the new Nikon 40mm macro lens for about $275. The macro lens won't work well for bugs as you have to get really close, and you will probably scare them off. But for any other macro work, it might be a good starter lens. That is probably the best/cheapest solution to get into macro.

I'm going to buy that lens for my son as a Christmas present.

http://www.althephoto.com