Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 41 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) | 141 mm | 210 mm | 94 mm | 70 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 282 mm | 421 mm | 188 mm | 141 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 422 mm | 631 mm | 282 mm | 211 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 563 mm | 841 mm | 375 mm | 282 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 845 mm | 1,262 mm | 563 mm | 422 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,408 mm | 2,103 mm | 939 mm | 704 mm |
About the Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel#
The Cascade golden-mantled ground squirrel (Spermophilus saturatus) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae, in the order Rodentia. It is the largest species of the three within the subgenus Callospermophilus. It is found in the Cascade Mountains in the province of British Columbia, Canada and the state of Washington, United States.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Great subjects for learning — confiding in parks.
- Get your lens at the animal's eye level.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in 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 Squirrels#
Eastern Gray SquirrelSciurus carolinensis
Eastern Fox SquirrelSciurus niger
Eastern ChipmunkTamias striatus
American Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicus
California Ground SquirrelOtospermophilus beecheyi
GroundhogMarmota monax
Rock SquirrelOtospermophilus variegatus
Common Golden-mantled Ground SquirrelCallospermophilus lateralis
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel?
At about 41 cm long, a cascade golden-mantled ground squirrel fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 282 mm, or at 20 m with 563 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel?
Observations in North America peak in 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