Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 58 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) | 100 mm | 151 mm | 67 mm | 50 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 201 mm | 301 mm | 134 mm | 100 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 301 mm | 452 mm | 201 mm | 151 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 401 mm | 602 mm | 268 mm | 201 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 602 mm | 903 mm | 401 mm | 301 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,004 mm | 1,505 mm | 669 mm | 502 mm |
About the Osprey#
The osprey or more specifically the western osprey (Pandion haliaetus) — also called sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk — is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Fishing dives are predictable over shallow water; pre-focus on the surface.
- For flight shots use wide-area tracking and +0.3 to +1 EV against bright sky.
- Sightings peak in April, May, July and August, 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.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an Osprey?
At about 58 cm long, an osprey fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 201 mm, or at 20 m with 401 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an Osprey?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Osprey?
Observations in North America peak in April, May, July and August. 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