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And to get 1:1 magnification, you need to buy a dedicated, non-zoom Macro lens
Macro lenses come in a variety of fixed focal lengths, ranging from 50 to 200mm. (Read Sandy Ramirez's article on the relative advantages and disadvantages of each focal length.) Some macro lenses focs down to 1:2 but extend to 1:1 via an optically-matched adapter ad an additional price. A handful go beyond 1:1 into super macro territory.
Close-up filters are a less expensive way to get into macro photography, but you will probably lose a little image quality, especially if you use budget close-up filters. Stick to name brands and look for specially coated surfaces.
Reversal rings are another way to go. These rings mount directly on your camera; you screw the lens front into the ring, so it is facing the reverse direction. Turning the optics around can yield dramatic, super-close results. Read Carl Heilman II's article on shooting spectacular close-ups of snowflakes by using reversal rings.
Here is a look at some top macro lenses, by focal length (Prices accurate as of May 18, 2011 and factor in any instant rebates that may apply at the time of posting):
 35-50mm:
Olympus Zuiko 35mm f/3.5 E-ED Digital 1:1 Macro for Four Thirds DSLRs, 70mm equivalent ($205)
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro: compact entry-level macro, focuses to 1:2; 2x multiplier brings you to lifesize ($284)
Olympus 50mm f/2 E-ED Digital Macro for E: 1:2 magnification, but with 2x crop factor it's like a 1:1 lens. ($485)
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 Macro for Sigma: compact APS DSLRs ($370)
Sony 50mm f/2.8a Macro: 1:1 magnification, AF; circular aperture for good Bokeh. ($530)
60-90mm:
Nikon 60mm f/2.8 D AF Micro-Nikkor: 1:1, also good for portraits on an APS DSLR. ($470)
Tamron SP 60mm f/2 Di II: 1:1 magnification, internal focusing, designed for APS DSLRs only. ($400)
Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro: (manual focus); focuses to 5:1 ($996)
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG AF Macro: low-cost alternative fast Macro lens ($500)
Nikon 85mm f/3.5 G AF-S DX Micro ED (VR-II): Internal focus, 1:1, vibration reduction ($490)
Sony Planar 85mm T* f/1.4a: 1:1 magnification, AF, circular aperture for smooth Bokeh, doubles as a great portrait lens. ($1,500)
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di: highly-rated mid-range macro ($410)
 100-105mm:
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro (AF): Inner-focusing to 1:1 ($560)
Canon EF 100 f/2.8L IS USM (AF): 1:1 plus image stabilizatin ($980)
Sony 100mm f/2.8a: 1:1 magnification, circular polarizer, works with full-size and APS sensor DSLRs ($750)
Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8: macro also valued as a portrait lens ($490)
Pentax D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR: 1:1 magnification, water resistant! Compatible with 35mm film and digital APS models. ($850)
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor: Latest generation of the 1:1 macro classic, with AF and vibration reduction added. ($895)
 150-200mm:
Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG APO AF for Canon: 1:1, wide aperture for a long lens, compatible with 35mm, APS format cameras. ($690)
Canon EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM: 1:1, internal floating system so front element doesn't move ($1,470)
Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 Di Macro LD-IF: 1:1, internal focusing ($640)
Nikon 200mm f/4 ED-IF AF Micro Telephoto Nikkor: Longest macro tele lens, 1:1 magnification ($1,660)
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