Thanks everybody!
I went back over to the store this morning, and came home with the lens (a 272E model, thanks all for the great info!) and a Promaster focusing rail system for the tripod. They knocked another $20 off the tag, and gave me an extra $30 on my DA 12-24 that I traded in as part of the deal (haven’t used it in several years, so...). Total of $170 out of pocket.
Really looking forward to seeing what it can do. This just a handheld test shot in the store, ambient light. I think macro will be addictive and fun!