Buying Guide: Best macro lens: 8 tested
Macro lenses explained
With practically all compact cameras offering close-focusing capabilities, and an abundance of lenses to suit all budgets, getting into macro photography today is as easy as it is enjoyable.Thanks in part to the availability of cheap filter-like lenses, extension tubes, and other accessories, photographers are able to dabble with close-up shooting with minimal outlay, before they decide whether to take things more seriously with a dedicated macro optic.
The eight macro lenses on test here are all respectable candidates for that next step up, and each combines a useful medium telephoto focal length with a wide maximum aperture, making them suitable for more than just close-up flower and insect shots.
Before we pit them against each other to see which is the best macro lens, though, let's take a closer look at the technical aspects of macro lenses.
A true macro lens is one that can capture frame-filling images of subjects that are the same size as the sensor itself. Manufacturers often show this by stating that a lens has a reproduction ratio of 1:1. Today, the term 'macro' is more widely used to describe equipment with some sort of close-focusing capability, and lenses with up to 1:4 magnification ratios (quarter life size) are often billed as having macro functionality.
Whether a macro lens is used on a DSLR with a full-frame or a cropped sensor, its magnification ratio remains the same. The subject is still, after all, being captured on the sensor at the same size; it's just that the smaller sensor has the effect of cropping the image. Therefore, to fit it into the frame you have to compose your shot further away from the subject.
Unlike macro zoom lenses, which attempt to offer close-focusing together with an expansive focal range, fixed focal-length macro lenses are optimised for only one focal length, and specifically for close-up shooting, which makes them a more desirable option.
These typically fall into one of three focal-length ranges, the shortest being around 40-60mm and the longest comfortably in telephoto territory at around 150-180mm.
The macro lenses on test
All but one of the eight macro lenses on test are in the mid-telephoto, category, which is around 90-105mm, and the only lens that isn't – the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro – is designed for bodies on which its effective focal length becomes 100mm.
The pricing of these lenses is consistent with their focal length, being higher than shorter macro optics and lower then longer ones, but the cost still varies. The image stabilisation systems in both the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM and the Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED partly explains why these are the second and third most expensive options here. Other variables include autofocus technology and whether the lens is capable of focusing internally.
The latter point is important for macro shooting because it means that a lens can focus without its inner barrel extending outwards. This prevents the lens inadvertently touching the subject, and reduces the likelihood of shadows from the lens being cast over the subject.
It's also worth bearing in mind that a longer lens will typically have a longer minimum focusing distance than a shorter lens.
The shallow depth of field obtainable with longer lenses also means that it's easier to separate your subject from its background, although considering just how shallow this can be, shooting at the wider apertures may be unfeasible for much macro work.
It's advisable, therefore, to set a smaller aperture when shooting very close up, to ensure the entire subject is in focus.
The lenses on test focus from very close up to infinity (much of their focusing range isn't used when shooting close up), and it can take a while for a lens to work through this entire range when it seeks to focus on a subject. Fortunately, many macro lenses feature focus limiter switches, which can be used to close off a part of the range that isn't required, allowing focus to be acquired sooner.
Although the lenses on test are designed primarily for macro photography, they can be used successfully for other genres. The eight on test are high-quality medium telephoto lenses, each claiming to be corrected for distortion and chromatic aberration, and designed to record a high level of detail.
On bodies with full-frame sensors their focal lengths are particularly suited to portraiture. On bodies with APS-C or smaller sensors they can be used for many types of nature photography, because their relatively wide maximum apertures help to isolate subjects from their backgrounds and maintain fast shutter speeds.
Their low distortion also means that they can be useful in product photography too, while food photographers are also likely to appreciate their maximum aperture and focal length.
Macro lens construction and features
Macro lens construction
By definition, macro optics are designed for close-up shooting. If you look at their optical construction, you tend to find symmetry in the arrangement of the elements.
The design towards the front of the lens is typically repeated in reverse towards the rear. This's so that the rear elements cancel out some of the aberrations caused by the front elements. Greater correction is required as the magnification factor increases.
Another common feature is the 'double-helicoid' design of the focusing mount. This gives the large focus range required by a macro optic. Floating elements and lens groups, which move independently within a lens, are also commonly employed to correct spherical aberration, the extent of which varies with distance.
Using floating elements requires a more complex design, which is often reflected in the price of the lens.
Macro lens features
Maximum aperture
Shallow depth of field aside, a wide maximum aperture on a lens, such as f2.8, means it's capable of admitting plenty of light to help keep shutter speeds high.
Distance scale
This shows the distance at which a lens focuses in feet and metres. On macro lenses it often also includes the reproduction ratio, which decreases with distance.
Focus limiter switch
This effectively closes off part of the lens's focusing range, which is useful if you're only shooting close-up and you don't need to focus on distant subjects, or vice versa.
Internal focusing
A lens with an internal focusing system will ensure that it remains at the same physical length while focusing, which is particularly handy if your subject is close to the front element of the lens.
Focal length
Minimum focusing distances tend to rise as the focal length is increased, so longer lenses can be useful when you need to keep a safe distance from a living subject, such as a small insect.
Optical stabilisation
This can be useful if the body you're using lacks a sensor-based image stabilisation system, although if you're using the lens on a tripod for macro work, it's best to turn stabilisation off.
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM - £440
Sharpness test
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Despite a little edge softness at f/2.8, the Canon lens does a sterling job to produce sharp images with good consistency across the frame.
Fringing test
Central performance is very good, with only minimal levels of fringing at all apertures, but things start to fall apart towards the edges.
Distortion test
Distortion is low, but it's not quite as low as on some of the others. Overall, its performance is consistent with its price tag.
Images test verdict
Sharpness is sometimes excellent, and consistent. With reasonable control over both distortion and fringing, the Canon's a good performer.
Read the full Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM review
Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED - £620
Sharpness test
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Sharpness is superb at both its widest and mid-range apertures, but it isn't maintained throughout the frame.
Fringing test
A poor performance, with fringing evident throughout the frame. The fringing at the centre doesn't get too much worse as you travel further out.
Distortion test
Distortion isn't too problematic in real-world images, but overall performance is still less than impressive.
Image test verdict
For sharpness the Nikon is excellent, particularly if you use its widest apertures the most, but distortion and fringing is worse than expected.
Read the full Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED review
Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro
Olympus Zuiko Digital 50mm 1:2.0 Macro - £580
Sharpness test
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Sharpness isn't that great wide open, with some of the weakest results out of the eight lenses, but at small apertures sharpness is excellent.
Fringing test
The centre of the frame shows low fringing, and although this rises slightly towards the edges, it's kept under control.
Distortion test
The Olympus produces the most distortion in the test, and significantly more than the next worst lens, the Nikon 105mm.
Image test verdict
Control over chromatic aberration and sharpness is excellent overall, and even when you get to the narrowest apertures, results are still good.
Read the full Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro review
Pentax smc D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR
Pentax smc D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR - £480
Sharpness test
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Wide-open performance isn't too good, and the improvements between f/8 to f/16 are confined to the centre of the lens.
Fringing test
There's fringing at the centre, and it gets considerably worse towards the edges, but recent Pentax SLRs can correct lateral chromatic aberration.
Distortion test
Distortion control is excellent, with just minimal warping. Were it not for the superior Sigma lens, the Pentax would just edge its way to the top.
Image test verdict
It's a shame that wide-open sharpness and control over chromatic aberration are poor, because otherwise this is a fine, solid lens.
Read the full Pentax smc D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR review
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM - £700
Sharpness test
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Wide-open results are great, and it just gets better from there. That it can come so close to matching the results from the Zeiss is amazing.
Fringing test
Again, second only to Zeiss. There's little central fringing at all apertures, and at the edges it's still better than some lenses at the centre.
Distortion test
A stellar performance, with the best control over distortion out of all the lenses on test, and practically no distortion in real-world images.
Image test verdict
The Sigma lens is consistently sharp, and there are no issues with distortion or chromatic aberration. Its only failings are weaker wide-open results.
Read the full Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM review
Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro
Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro - £580
Sharpness test
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The Sony lens gets off to an unimpressive start at its widest apertures, before sharpening up and doing well at the middle.
Fringing test
Results aren't too bad at the centre of the frame, but as you venture further towards the edges, performance drops off.
Distortion test
Visible distortion in images is low, but measured distortion puts the Sony lens somewhere in the middle of the group.
Image test verdict
There's a lot to like about this lens, but considering its price, it's disappointing that it doesn't provide a consistent performance.
Read the full Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro review
Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1
Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 - £355
Sharpness test
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At f/2.8 the Tamron lens produces some of the most impressive results, although this is confined to the centre of the frame.
Fringing test
Considering the chromatic aberration it produces in the centre, it's surprising that it doesn't escalate much further at the edges.
Distortion test
Distortion could be improved, with only the Nikon and Olympus lenses faring worse, but it isn't much worse than the next couple ahead of it.
Image test verdict
Despite distortion and fringing problems, the Tamron lens is impressive for its price. Even at its widest aperture, it records excellent central sharpness.
Read the full Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 review
Zeiss Makro-Planar T* F2 100mm ZE
Zeiss Makro-Planar T* F2 100mm ZE - £1,550
Sharpness test
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Despite a slight dip in the corners at f/2.2, the Zeiss records razor-sharp images that are consistently sharp throughout the frame.
Fringing test
As well as being the sharpest lens on test, it's also the most adept at keeping fringing down to a minimum, with only minor traces.
Distortion test
Lab tests show slight distortion, but certainly not enough to require any kind of software-based correction.
Image test verdict
This is a cracking lens, sharp and consistent throughout its range. There's also very little distortion and chromatic aberration.
Read the full Zeiss Makro-Planar T* F2 100mm ZE review
Macro lens performance benchmarks
The macro lenses in our test ranged in focal length between 50mm and 105mm, with all but the Zeiss Makro-Planar T* F2 100mm ZE specifically designed for macro use.All the lenses have a maximum aperture of f/2.8 – except the Zeiss and the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro at f/2 – and a minimum aperture value of between f/22 and f/32.
The lab test results show that all of the lenses perform well for centre sharpness at f/8 and f/16, but at the maximum aperture of f/2.8, the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro, Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro and Pentax smc D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR lenses all produced visibly softer images, with results considerably lower than those of the other lenses.
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM, Nikon AF-S VR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 and Zeiss Makro-Planar T* F2 100mm ZE all produce good centre sharpness across the aperture range, with the Sigma and Zeiss really leading the group with sharp results across the entire frame.
As expected from fixed focal-length lenses, the amount of fringing is minimal, with only the Pentax, Nikon and Sony lenses showing mild signs towards the edges of the frame.
Verdict: Best macro lens
The Zeiss Makro-Planar T* F2 100mm ZE is by far the best macro lens performer, with stunningly low aberration and superb, consistent sharpness. But even if it were cheaper, its maximum magnification and lack of autofocus may still be enough to put many off.
At almost £1,000 less, the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM optic does a remarkable job to offer similar performance, recording high detail throughout its aperture range and keeping aberrations at bay, as well as providing the benefits of optical stabilisation and a near-silent autofocus system.
Hopefully, Sigma will provide the lens in a wider range of mounts. In the meantime, Canon and Nikon DSLR users should start saving up for it, because it really is an impressive macro lens.
The Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 lens can safely maintain the brand's reputation as a good alternative to the big four names. Even so, a bargain lens is often a bargain for a reason, and the noisy, slow focusing motor and lack of internal focusing are its biggest shortfalls.
Its 90mm focal length gives it a shorter working distance than most of the others here. Along with its extending inner barrel, this makes it less than ideal for shooting living subjects.
The Pentax smc D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR and Sony 100mm f/2.8 Macro lenses occupy similar mid-range performance territory, each providing weak wide-open but respectable mid-range results, and neither having the luxury of an internal focusing system, nor a quiet AF motor.
Despite this, the Pentax has a number of advantages that are particularly welcome at its sub-£500 price point, such as its sturdy metal body and compact form, as well as its weather seals and Super Protect coating.
The Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro does little to excite with its poor wide-open results, distortion, and 1:2 reproduction ratio, but its good mid-range sharpness, as well as its control over chromatic aberration, go some way to justifying its £580 price tag.
Verdict
The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM takes top honours, despite a strong performance from the Zeiss Makro-Planar T* F2 100mm ZE. With excellent sharpness and superb control over aberration, the Sigma macro lens isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for.Best for Canon APS-C format users
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSMWhat's good: excellent sharpness and superb control over aberration.
What's bad: inconsistent when wide-open.
Our verdict: it's not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Best for Nikon DX format users
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSMWhat's good: excellent sharpness and superb control over aberration.
What's bad: inconsistent when wide-open.
Our verdict: it's not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Best for Olympus Four Thirds users
Olympus Zuiko digitAl ED 50mm 1:2.0 MacroWhat's good: small and capable of excellent image quality at narrower apertures.
What's bad: Weak wide-open performance.
Our verdict: it's not cheap, but it's a good four thirds option.
Best for Pentax users
Pentax SMC D-FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WRWhat's good: good overall sharpness and excellent control over distortion.
What's bad: no internal focusing.
Our verdict: A small, solid optic with good mid-aperture results.
Best for Sony APS-C format users
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 DI Macro 1:1What's good: lightweight and sharp, and a bargain price.
What's bad: inconsistent performance.
Our verdict: A good budget option that exceeds expectations.
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Anonymous threatens publication of 2.7 million private emails
Hacker group Anonymous has revealed its latest rouse - the publication of 2.7 million confidential emails stolen from US security and intelligent giant Stratfor.
According to the security company, the attack happened on Christmas Eve. Stratfor has announced it has brought in independent security analysts to strengthen its systems against attack.
The collective clearly hopes to embarrass the company, who produce security analysis for major corporations including banks and oil companies.
Anonymous has published some of the emails already and is threatening to post the rest. "Just a small preview of the mayhem to come," said a message with the posted sample.
The group also claims to have donated $500,000 to charity using information found in the emails, which include more than 10,000 current credit card numbers and many thousands of encrypted passwords
The campaign appears to be part of 'antisec', a sideshoot of Anonymous designed to wage a campaign against the private security industry. Another name used was 'Operation Robin Hood'.
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Tutorial: How to manage your files with your iPhone
How to manage your files with your iPhone
Your smartphone is your true mobile companion. It has more computing power than it took to put a man on the moon. It's an always-connected PC, sitting in your pocket; yesterday's dreams made real. And, as such, your smartphone is the perfect device for dealing with your precious documents and files.No other hardware has the power of internet connectivity, push notifications, compatibility with our PC operating systems, and most importantly, is omnipresent in everyone's lives, ready to be called on at a moment's notice.
Despite the smartphone's power to put files and documents at our fingertips, it can be surprisingly difficult to access them. One particular offender is iOS, which, despite being the operating system behinds the world's most popular handset, the iPhone, is totally inept when dealing with files.
We should point out that we're concentrating on iOS in this article, merely because it's the most restricted of the smartphone operating systems. Many of our tips will also apply to Android and BlackBerry handsets too. Grab the Dropbox app for Android and you'll be able to do many of the things we describe here.
Back to iOS, then. It hides its file system, it's unable to read files placed onto its memory using a USB connection, there's no microSD port for moving files physically, and Safari will plainly refuse to use web versions of online file systems such as Dropbox. It's like the anti-computer.
Even if you're able to access them - perhaps by connecting a camera connection kit to an iPad and inserting an SD card - iOS has little provision for reading files natively, so that essential Word document will be about as much use to you as an animated GIF of a gurning Jeremy Clarkson.
Luckily, what can't be done natively on the iPhone can mostly be achieved though the use of apps. You can extend your phone's functionality to add features, and when it comes to going mobile with your files, there are plenty of methods to choose from.
Dropbox
One of the first names that come to mind when dealing with file storage and distribution is Dropbox. And rightly so. This online cloud storage service has rocketed in popularity over the last couple of years due to its excellent connectivity options, fast speeds and intuitive interface. One of the best things about Dropbox is that it's multi-platform - you might already use it on PC or Mac through a desktop app or through the browser portal, which lets you to access the files you're storing from anywhere.
However, fewer people are aware of the rather excellent iOS version of the Dropbox app, which really puts you in control of your stored documents. If you're ever away from your PC, on the move or simply need to access an important file quickly, your smartphone can come to the rescue.
You can download the Dropbox app for iOS from the App Store free of charge. Once it's installed, tap it to open and you'll be asked if you're a Dropbox user. If you've used the service before, just add your details to access your files. If this is your first time using it, click 'I'm new to Dropbox'. There's a short signup process, which is kept to a minimum, then you're taken to your storage area.
Once you're logged into the app you can view any file that's been uploaded to your Dropbox and stored in the cloud from any system; this means your files can cross between Android handsets, PCs, email accounts, the lot.
There's also the option to view files, which is one of the few ways you can actually read documents that have been sent to your iPhone, given its usual stoic refusal to view anything other than PDFs and images.
Dropbox is able to natively display a host of image types, a variety of text documents and a string of other common file types besides. Unfortunately you can't make changes or amendments to the documents, and they will only open in a read-only mode.
Share and share alike
You can, however, redistribute files, which can be a godsend when you're on the move. If a colleague or family member has ever called you to ask for a file while you're enjoying a day off, it can often mean an irritating journey to your PC to send it.
Retrieving the file on Dropbox makes the process much easier. Open any file, even if it's in an unreadable format, and press the icon at the bottom left that looks like two linked chains. Choose 'Email link' and a new message containing a hyperlink will open using the iPhone's default mail programme. Send that to the recipient and they can download the file without any hassle, leaving you to get on with your day.
One weakness of using Dropbox on your iPhone is that there's little scope for uploading to the app. You can add files, but with iOS's limited file support you can only deal with your photos.
Thankfully, there's another way. Other apps that let you interact with your files can connect with Dropbox, letting you save your files in a central location. A great example of this is the email app provided with iOS. Scroll to the bottom of an email containing an attachment and tap it. When it loads, press the forward arrow in the top right corner. Choose 'Open in' and select 'Dropbox' from the list. The app prompts you to pick a location for it to be saved in before it's uploaded to the cloud.
Dropbox presents one of the simplest ways to control your files using your iPhone, and there's not a lot that it can't do.
However, mobile workers who use a host of FTP connections may find there's a lack of options on offer, and could be put off by the need to use the desktop application. Locked down corporate systems won't let you install the app either, which means it's a case of using the clunky web interface, which is never a good thing.
However, an iOS app called Air Sharing does offer a neat alternative.
Air Sharing and DiskAid
Air Sharing
While Dropbox is a fantastic way to access files when you're away from your PC, it doesn't put you in full control. If you're looking to really work remotely, try the Air Sharing app, which is available for £1.49 from the App Store. This features a host of functions that give you the power to turn your iPhone from a basic file reader into a powerful server.
In short, Air Sharing lets you use your iOS device as a portable hard drive, with your files stored wherever you go. You can access them via your phone, PC, Mac or via a web portal which offers 10GB of storage. You can even mount your iOS device onto your desktop as if it were a portable hard drive, which is particularly useful if you have a large capacity device; it may not matter to you if the phone itself can read the files if you're always carrying the equivalent of a large USB drive in your pocket.
The key benefit of Air Sharing over other types of mobile storage is that instead of storing your data in the cloud, it uses the physical memory on your iPhone. This means you can use up to 10GB of storage, rather than the measly 2GB provided with the free version of Dropbox.
It also means that you have a backup if you need a file when you're offline, and you may even get better speed running over Wi-Fi than you would over USB.
To get started, download the Air Sharing app from the App Store. There's a Pro version that costs £3.99 and has many more features, and you can upgrade at any time. Mounting your iPhone as a physical drive on your PC is easy. First you need to connect your iPhone to your home network, then open the Air Share app and press the wireless icon at the bottom of the home screen. This will open a small menu that contains important information about your account.
Put your iPhone to one side and turn to your PC. In Windows 7, click the Start menu and right-click 'Computer'. Choose 'Map network drive' from the list, then enter the IP address listed in your Air Sharing app into the 'Folder' field. Click 'OK' and a Windows Explorer window will open showing all of the files contained in your Air Sharing inbox.
You can also do the same on a Mac, if you're using one. Begin by right-clicking on the Finder icon in your dock, then choose Connect to Server. Use the same IP address as you would on PC in order to have the storage location mounted for seamless connection between Mac and iPhone.
The support provided by Air Sharing is also fantastic, and includes some difficult formats. There's iWork, Microsoft Office, HTML, RTF, PDF, movies, audio, and even source code, including C++. That could prove invaluable if you're a programmer.
If you're a mobile worker, Air Sharing has a few more tricks up its sleeve. Unlike Dropbox, it supports a wealth of FTP file sharing protocols, Home Pipe, MobileMe, and Dropbox itself, which gives you plenty of options.
You don't have to settle for FTP links to get more from Air Sharing; if you have Bonjour installed on your PC or Mac, you can connect using your web browser. This address doesn't change from session to session; just find it in Air Sharing's connections menu once and you'll always know exactly how to connect to your phone.
View your files on your PC
Air Sharing is a powerful tool, but it's possible to supplement or even replace it with a different, more hardcore application. DiskAid is a PC app that lets you explore the contents of your iPhone like any other drive. You can download a 14-day trial, after which you can pay $9.95 to upgrade to the full program.
Once the trial is installed, it will prompt you to connect your iOS device, which must be unlocked the first time so DiskAid can recognise it. You will then get a basic file tree view, which lists all your installed apps as well as general storage. This is the bit of iOS that Apple tries its best to hide from public view - the file system itself.
We're of the mind that Apple isn't trying to be deliberately awkward, though; Steve Jobs' philosophy, even back when he and Steve Wozniak were designing the original Apple home computers, was that they should be simple enough for anyone to use. There was even an argument in those early days; Woz had to fight hard for the Apple II's expansion slots.
Reminiscing aside, you can use the DiskAid app to transfer files to and from your iPhone's memory. Unfortunately it's not a straightforward case of dragging and dropping - the tools are located at the top of the DiskAid window. Click one of these to locate the file and the destination, and DiskAid will take care of transferring it to your memory. This does introduce one large issue: you'll need a machine with DiskAid installed to move files around on an iOS device, so it's not a universal solution.
If you're using Air Sharing, you can also find these files by choosing the app from the list located near the bottom. Click on the name to display a new folder containing all of your remote files. You can transfer these to your PC by clicking them and choosing 'Transfer to PC'. Just set the destination and your file will be copied across.
There are a few other file management solutions worth mentioning here. If you're looking to grab files straight from the internet and store them on your device, you could do worse than trying Downloads, a £1.50 app that especially suits MP3s, given that it has its own built in player.
Or, if you're looking to improve iOS compatibility with media files, try something like VLC Streamer, which plays back videos of all types, streaming them over your network.
Or why not try Screens, which lets you see and control your PC's desktop directly from your phone? It's pricey at £14, but worth the investment.
If you're really looking to take control of your files then iOS is far from perfect, but the huge range of apps on offer means you don't have to rely on USB sticks and clunky cloud web interfaces.
We heartily recommend anyone to try Dropbox, and the app is a great extension of a superb web service. Alternatively, Air Sharing is a fantastic service, especially if you go for the pro version.
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In Depth: 13 weird and wonderful niche Linux distros
13 niche Linux distros
Here are 13 of the best, oddest and most useful distributions that Linux has to offer, and why on Earth you'd want to use them.Red Star OS
One distro that's never going to trouble the top of the Distrowatch rankings chart is Red Star OS. This is the Linux distribution that was developed/is being developed as the officially sanctioned operating system of North Korea, apparently at the behest of Kim Jong-Il, the country's leader.It's based on the familiar KDE 3.x, but with added touches including the Woodpecker antivirus software and the Pyongyang Fortress firewall.
Familiar apps have been renamed too: there's a notebook app called My Comrade, and Firefox is called My Country (perhaps fittingly, as North Korea has its own internet). We searched for 'Democracy' in the default search engine, but nothing came up…
MuLinux
The classically educated might be able to guess that this is a small distro, possibly in the same vein as Puppy or Damn Small Linux. You'd have difficulty, however, comprehending just how small it is. MuLinux requires 20MB hard disk space and 4MB RAM, and will run on an Intel 80386 processor or later.That's the same Intel 80386 processor that was released in 1985, meaning Mu will breathe life into even ancient hardware. Mu is no match for a modern system in terms of productivity, having been finished in 1998-99, but if you have a 25-year-old machine that you want to rescue from the scrapheap, it's the distro for you.
Ubuntu Satanic Edition
Ubuntu spin-offs are ten-a-penny, but we have to recognise that the makers of Ubuntu SE have gone beyond the ordinary in their quest to please The Dark One. The dark theme and collection of background images is the most obvious modification, and the sound effects and startup jingle have also been customised.
Ubuntu's fondness for alliteration is still there (the last three releases have been Lucifer's Legion, Microsoft Massacre and Necrophilic Necromancer), but the version numbers have been modified to 666.8, 666.9 and 666.10 respectively.
Oh, and it doesn't have live CDs; they're "undead". Endearingly bonkers.
GoboLinux
One for the techies, this: the thing that marks GoboLinux out from the rest is its filesystem layout. Most Linux distributions use an archaic non-arrangement wherein an application's files are scattered around your hard drive in several different folders.GoboLinux adopts an OS X-like approach (which Apple took from RISC OS), and stores all files associated with an application in a single folder in /Programs.
GNewSense
If you like software freedom, you'll love GNewSense. It's based on Ubuntu, but has had all non-free software removed, including those tricky non-free driver files that are loaded into the Linux kernel (known as binary blobs). Unfortunately, many of these blobs are drivers for wireless networking cards, so GNewSense may not be the best distro for laptops.On the plus side, it has removed or renamed software that doesn't fit the Free Software Foundation's definition of freedom (Firefox, for example, is renamed as Burning Dog), and it doesn't provide any links to non-free repositories, making it even more free than Debian.
Until we get the Hurd to replace the Linux kernel and create Gnu/Hurd, GNewSense (and Trisquel, a similar project based on Debian with a much cooler logo) is the closest we'll get to completely free.
Sabily/Ubuntu Christian Edition
Formerly known as Ubuntu Islamic Remix, Sabily is Ubuntu with extra Islam. The theme is Islamic green, the Applications menu has been expanded to include a selection of Quran study/prayer-time software, and the DansGuardian web filtering tool has been given an easy-to-use front end in the shape of Webstrict.Ubuntu Christian Edition is, perhaps not surprisingly, the equivalent for Christians, and features religious study tools as well as improved web filtering (Ubuntu CE's DansGuardian UI is what inspired the developers of Sabily to include their own).
We also have to tip our hat to Jewbuntu, simply for having such an inspired name.
Yellow Dog
Originally released in the late 90s for Apple computers using the PowerPC chip architecture, Yellow Dog found its niche among people who wanted an even more different way to think differently. All was good, but then Apple abandoned PowerPC in favour of Intel chips, which it's still using today.This left Yellow Dog out in the cold, but after a change of ownership it re-invented itself as an OS for high-performance multicore computing - most notably as the OS used on PlayStations hooked up to form cheap supercomputing grids.
Mikebuntu
We blow our own trumpet so rarely round here that we'd almost forgotten where we put it, but it's worth shouting about the work that disc monkey Mike Saunders puts into the DVD for TechRadar's sister title, Linux Format, every month. Mike packs the distro on the free DVD with extra PDFs, extra software, extra desktop environments and heaps more extra options. We love you, Mike.Gentoo
We love the freedom that we have to modify and recompile source code according to our needs, but very few of us actually do this, because it's easier to just download a Deb or RPM file. The lazy majority would not like Gentoo - or Linux For Masochists, as it's sometimes known - for the simple fact that you have to compile it yourself.That's not just the apps - it's the whole thing, including the kernel and all the other bits of your current distro that most people take for granted. The point of this is that if your Linux distro is compiled for your exact hardware, it should be possible to wring every last drop of performance from your kit. You just need to make sure that you have a large supply of coffee to hand before you attempt to install it.
And yes, we know that there are versions of Gentoo in existence that are easier to use, but they're not really Gentoo now, are they?
Scientific Linux
There still exists among our Windows-using cousins the risible idea that Linux isn't good enough to take over on the desktop; that the continued dominance of Microsoft on the desktop is inevitable, because Linux is not up to the job technically. This can easily be refuted: the cleverest people on the planet - the scientists searching for clues about the beginning of the universe - use Scientific Linux at the CERN laboratories.It's based on Red Hat, and anyone can download and install it on their machine. You don't even need a PhD in theoretical physics.
Parted Magic
We're sure that nobody runs this as their full-time operating system (if you do, get in touch and tell us why), so although it's technically a distro, it's best thought of as a specialist tool.Parted Magic is a live distro that comes with all the tools you need to fix broken partitions. If something won't boot, this is what you use to fix it, and that goes for both Linux and Windows machines. As a troubleshooting aid, it's indispensable.
Bodhi Linux
Before Unity, Gnome 3 and KDE 4 came along and showed the world what it was missing, the Linux desktop was a staid place, enlivened only by the ongoing flame wars between KDE and Gnome users. This is odd, because as long ago as 1997 we had a far glitzier alternative: Enlightenment.Enlightenment is a window manager, and is beautiful without distracting you from the task in hand or forcing you to adopt your way of working to it. And the best way to get it is to install Bodhi Linux, which is why it's on this list.
Umpteen Ubuntu remixes
It's often said that there's too much choice in Linuxland, but the truth is actually that there's too much duplication. Each of the distros featured in this list fulfils a need, and brings something new to the party. But there are many, many more that don't.If you're thinking of remixing your favourite distro to give it an Xfce or LXD E desktop, don't: because someone will already have done it; and we don't need any more dead wood clogging up the internet.
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Company sues former employee over right to Twitter followers
How much are Twitter followers worth? That's the question that will be asked by a Californian court after a former employee of news and reviews site PhoneDog took his followers with him when he changed jobs.
MadDog didn't take too kindly to this, especially as he changed the name of his account from @Phonedog_Noah to
Issues like these can only become more common. The BBC was criticised for letting nearly 60,000Twitter followers go when political correspondentLaura Kuenssberg joined ITV.
Laywers have warned that such issues need to be written into employment contracts.
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Review: Adobe Carousel
Adobe claims Carousel is the only tool that enables you to access your whole photo library from your Mac, iPhone or iPad, without storage issues or manual synchronisation.
The first thought on any Mac owner's mind, though, is going to be what Carousel does that iPhoto/iTunes/iCloud doesn't. And the second is why they should pay for photo synchronisation when they already get it for nothing.
Carousel is pretty similar to Apple's Photo Stream, which is part of the free iCloud service, but with a bit more control. Like Photo Stream, instead of copying photos across to your devices it stores them online. It then delivers files to your devices on demand, via your network connection.
There are no storage limits, and any changes you make, from creating Carousels to importing and editing photos, are automatically uploaded to the Carousel server.
You'll need an Adobe ID, which is free, but you pay a monthly subscription for Carousel, though there is a free 30-day trial. You download and install the Carousel client on your Mac and iOS devices, and you're ready to go.
Strips of film
Carousels are horizontally scrolling filmstrips of photos, and you can create a Carousel for a single set of photos or for shots taken over a longer period of time; in which case they're automatically split by date, so a single Carousel may consist of a series of these filmstrips that are arranged vertically. It's quick, simple and intuitive, and the consistency in appearance across the Mac and iOS versions is one of Carousel's strong points.It's quite something to see photos you add on your Mac appear in moments on your iPad, but this does rely on the quality of your network connection. Carousel communicates with Adobe servers constantly, so you can't work offline.
Storage solutions
Adobe solves the problem of limited storage space on iOS devices by downloading only thumbnails and low-resolution proxies. It's only when you tap on a thumbnail to view the picture properly that it downloads a higher-res version.
So yes, Carousel does indeed make your whole photo library 'available', or at least all the photos you've imported into Carousel, even on a device with limited memory.
It also reacts to changes made on any device straight away. The downside is that it's heavily dependent on the quality of your network connection. Wi-Fi speeds are okay, but Carousel can be painfully slow over 3G which can go a long way to eating up your monthly allowance.
There are other limitations that gradually become apparent. This version will only import JPEGs, not TIFF, PSD or RAW files. You can carry out basic cropping, straightening and enhancement tasks and apply a range of nice but basic image effects. And it's all non-destructive, too, so you can rewind your changes if you make a mistake.
But for cataloguing and editing tasks in general, Carousel is too lightweight even to compete with iPhoto. Things begin to get redundant when you consider that you may end up running two photo collections, with your 'proper' one still on your Mac in iPhoto or Aperture.
Carousel shows promise in its current form. But its reliance on good network speeds, its monthly subscription charge and its very basic cataloguing and editing tools blunt its appeal considerably. We recommend you try before you buy.
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