[Treedo]

b) your take on spending $ 800 for a dedicated Macro lens and then "if I don't like it / use it I can sell it for around $500. So other than the initial up front dough im not losing much if I don't like it. ( that's the argument to sell the wife)", is rather brash.
Loosing $ 300 (800 - 500) is a big amount, and I am certain you have a smart wife who will "catch your ears and twirl it" like your mom would have done to a smart rich foolish brash chap.
Instead read up the internet and buy a good lens from a reliable store like B&H / Adorama / Abe's of Maine etc, and return it if it is not sharp enough or defective.
No offense meant.
Regards.

Nanhi, no offense taken, and thank you for the reality check. Often I speak/type in an attempt to be cute without giving everything enough thought.
I appreciate your replies and hope I have not offended you.

Chris