Yes a very big difference.
A true macro lens will reproduce an image at a ratio of 1 to 1 or life size. These lenses are generally about 100mm F2.8. and rather pricey.
Some lenses around the 50 mm size say 55mm say macro but in actuality are 1/2 life size or an image is reproduced at 1/2 its actual life size.
OK let me explain take an object say a quarter and if you were to photograph it with a standard 50 mm lens it would show detail but not at the exact size of the quarter,
If you used a 100mm true macro lens your quarter would be enlarged to a ;some lenses of zoom quality proclaim macro say 1/4 . This means that a subject can be photographed at up to 1/4 the actual size. (most zoom lenese will allow close focusing)
These lenses are not macro but rather close focusing and allow some degree of image magnification but not true macro.
Now just because you only have say your normal lens without macro not to fret.
You can do several things to focus closer.
First buy a set of 3 close focus filters wich screw on to the front of your lens via the threads. These filters vary in power form usually +1 +2 &+3 diopters.
By stacking them one on top of the other you can create from +1 all the way to +6 magnification of your subject.
Mind you this will get you a lot closer and more magnification than your standard 50mm lens and is a great way to explore photographing subjects at higher magnifcations,also it is vey inexpensive.
Next you could buy a reversing ring set which literally allows you to mount your normal lens on backwards. You lose all of your cameras metering and autofocusing functions however you will
be able to focus . You will not have any control over DOF and shutter speeds and without the usr of a seperate light meter you will have a trial and error time of it.
I HAVE NOT EVER TRIED THIS.
Finally you can buy a bellows attachment.
This bellows if coupled to your camera(it must be bought for your brand only) will allow you some incredible images say up to 3 times and beyond life size.
You mount your bellows to the camera and mount your normal lens to the bellows.
If it purchased for your brand of camera all of the functions will work Please note you will rack out (extend manually by hand ) the bellows with the thumb screw until you achieve your magnification . If not then you must focus,and shoot in the manual mode only. Then take your photograph.
Listen this is just a quick break down on macro and what it means and how to achieve it. Macro lenses have been covered many times on this forum already. If you please you can read them under topic log.
True macro lenses can be quite pricey,for nowI would suggest purchasing a good set of close focusing filters. Buy them in a set of 3 and choose a brand that you like. Your camera brand may even offer them for sale. Just Remember to check your thread diameter of your lens before you order. It may be 52MM,55mm,or 58mm. Make sure you order the correct size.
Hope this helps! :thumbup: