Originally posted by victordeamorin ... but zoom lenses are never "true" macros
One exception: the Schneider Betavaron 50-125/4-5.6 enlarger zoom. But that's a weird one. And the US$70 NIB deals are over. Too bad.
'Macro' zooms CAN do real macro... if they're mounted on extension. For AF and A-type zooms, I'll use deglassed A-type teleconverters. Two of those add 50mm of extension, enough to push many close-focus zooms into macro range.
Another macro-zoom option is to reverse a non-DA-type zoom. (DA's lack aperture rings thus make setting exposures tricky.) My favorite example: I have an A35-80, arguably one of the worst lenses Pentax ever sold. But set on a PK-49mm mount-reversal ring on my K20D, it's sharp! At 35mm it reaches ~2x magnification at about 4cm working distance. At 80mm it reaches ~0.5x at about 15cm, and will also focus past infinity. NOTE: Exact magnifications and working distances will vary depending on lens construction. Other zooms will behave similarly but not exactly as that one.