Life Hacks for naturalists

Carry a close-up filter with you. You just screw it on the front of your zoom, shoot macro, and then unscrew it and drop it back in your pocket. There are cheaper versions that are not as good optically, but might do the job for you. Best is an achromatic 2-lens close-up filter like the Canon 250D or 500D Close-Up Diopter. You might have to add a step-up or step-down ring, but just keep it on the filter/diopter.