There are several ways to obtain true macro (1:1 mag or life-size) images.

The best images are captured with a dedicated macro lens. Sharp image corner-to-corner, easy to use, and repeatable results. Extension tubes will increase mag., and preserve corner-to-corner resolution.

Extension tubes on a standard prime lens is second best. Corners soft focus, one or more tubes needed to achieve 1:1 mag.

Extension tubes on a zoom lens is third best, as center of lens is used for macro, but corners are still soft. Zooms are usually heavier than prime lenses.

Using a 2x (doubler) between camera & standard prime lens or zoom lens is fifth best, as extra lenses surfaces (usually uncoated) are added to optic formula. Corner softness and chromatic aberration can be evident.

Threaded add-on "close-up" lenses (measured in diopters) are fifth best, as extra surfaces of simple lens can flatten contrast, and simple lens is uncorrected at edges, causing softness of detail & chromatic aberration.