Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 11 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally. Small birds demand long lenses and a close approach — a blind or feeder setup helps.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 487 mm | 703 mm | 325 mm | 244 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 975 mm | 1,406 mm | 650 mm | 487 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 1,462 mm | 2,109 mm | 975 mm | 731 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 1,949 mm | 2,812 mm | 1,300 mm | 975 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 2,924 mm | 4,219 mm | 1,949 mm | 1,462 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 4,874 mm | 7,031 mm | 3,249 mm | 2,437 mm |
About the Bushtit#
The American bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) is the only species in the family Aegithalidae found in the New World, and the only member of the genus Psaltriparus. In North America, it is referred to simply as "bushtit".
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Travel in noisy flocks — follow the flock and pre-focus ahead.
- Use a small flexible zone or animal-eye AF; tiny birds flit constantly, so shoot short bursts.
- Sightings peak in April and May, which is when you'll have the most chances.
- Tiny subjects: get close with a hide or feeder perch rather than cropping heavily.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Bushtit?
At about 11 cm long, a bushtit fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 975 mm, or at 20 m with 1,949 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Bushtit?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/3200–1/4000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Bushtit?
Observations in North America peak in April and May. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources