I have tried out with close up filters and more recently with free lensing. The best close up, macro shots are by the dedicated macro lens, but these techniques get you pretty close too. Check the earlier works here.
Here are some of the reverse lensing shots which have got me close, less than 10 cms close to my subject.
Have a look at the other entries on macro shots here!
Cheers!!
The TPTC Blog!! 