>>3494657What cam/lens are you using? If you've interchangable lens camera you can just buy extension tube, and it'll allow you to focus closer. They're fairly cheap for most systems and do a good job on most lenses. If you've fixed lens you can try some macro extensions that can clip on to the end of your lens. Most have some universal solutions, but double check if they can go to your lenses.
>>3494810Should be possible to go without focus stacking. You only need that for some higher magnifications. Forelens and extension tubes are good enough for fooling around.