150–900 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/1000 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000–1/3200 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/6.3–f/8
Aperture
10,956
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/1000 s
Shutter (action)1/2000–1/3200 s
Aperturef/6.3–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionBoat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 525 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) | 11 mm | 17 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 23 mm | 34 mm | 15 mm | 11 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 34 mm | 51 mm | 23 mm | 17 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 45 mm | 68 mm | 30 mm | 23 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 68 mm | 103 mm | 45 mm | 34 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 113 mm | 171 mm | 75 mm | 56 mm |
About the Common Bottlenose Dolphin#
The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), or Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, is the most well-known species from the family Delphinidae.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Use 1/2000 s+ and shoot bursts as they surface.
- Boat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
- Sightings peak in January, March, April and December, 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 Oceanic Dolphins#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Common Bottlenose Dolphin?
At about 525 cm long, a common bottlenose dolphin fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 23 mm, or at 20 m with 45 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Common Bottlenose Dolphin?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Common Bottlenose Dolphin?
Observations in North America peak in January, March, April and December. 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