Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 225 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) | 26 mm | 40 mm | 18 mm | 13 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 53 mm | 79 mm | 35 mm | 26 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 79 mm | 119 mm | 53 mm | 39 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 105 mm | 159 mm | 70 mm | 53 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 158 mm | 238 mm | 105 mm | 79 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 263 mm | 397 mm | 175 mm | 131 mm |
About the American Bison#
The American bison (Bison bison; pl.: bison), commonly known as the American buffalo, or simply buffalo (not to be confused with true buffalo), is a species of bison that is endemic to North America. It is one of two extant species of bison, along with the European bison. Its historical range circa 9000 BC is referred to as the great bison belt, a tract of rich grassland spanning from Alaska south to the Gulf of Mexico,...
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Bison: stay 25 m away (National Park rule).
- Bighorn sheep are often on cliffs — expose for the bright rock.
- Use animal-eye AF; for herds stop down a little so several animals are sharp.
- Sightings peak in June, 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.
More Bovids#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an American Bison?
At about 225 cm long, an american bison fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 53 mm, or at 20 m with 105 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an American Bison?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/1600–1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a American Bison?
Observations in North America peak in June, 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