Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 75 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 78 mm | 117 mm | 52 mm | 39 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 156 mm | 234 mm | 104 mm | 78 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 234 mm | 352 mm | 156 mm | 117 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 312 mm | 469 mm | 208 mm | 156 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 468 mm | 703 mm | 312 mm | 234 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 780 mm | 1,172 mm | 520 mm | 390 mm |
About the Common Loon#
The common loon or great northern diver (Gavia immer) is a large member of the loon, or diver, family of birds. Breeding adults have a plumage that includes a broad black head and neck with a greenish, purplish, or bluish sheen, blackish or blackish-grey upperparts, and pure white underparts except some black on the undertail coverts and vent. Non-breeding adults are brownish with a dark neck and head marked with dark grey-brown.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Northern lakes in summer; respect nesting areas.
- Get low to the water for an eye-level perspective; expose for bright plumage to avoid clipped whites.
- Sightings peak in April, May and July, which is when you'll have the most chances.
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.
More Loons#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Common Loon?
At about 75 cm long, a common loon fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 156 mm, or at 20 m with 312 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Common Loon?
1/640 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Common Loon?
Observations in North America peak in April, May and July. 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