Question on macro lenses

One question:

I am interested in start playing with photography with macro, but the lenses are quite expensive considering it is just a trial. On the other hand I have seen in the web macro-rings, but don't know how easy or dificult to use they are, how they work and, the most importat, how good or bad the results are.

Any one with experience with them, any general hint, any one willing to give away his/her nikon macro?

Cheers