Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 9 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally. Small birds demand long lenses and a close approach — a blind or feeder setup helps.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 583 mm | 833 mm | 389 mm | 292 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 1,166 mm | 1,667 mm | 777 mm | 583 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 1,749 mm | 2,500 mm | 1,166 mm | 875 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 2,332 mm | 3,333 mm | 1,555 mm | 1,166 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 3,498 mm | 5,000 mm | 2,332 mm | 1,749 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 5,830 mm | 8,333 mm | 3,887 mm | 2,915 mm |
About the Eastern Red Bat#
The eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is a species of bat in the family Vespertilionidae. Eastern red bats are widespread across eastern North America, with additional records in Bermuda. They are also present, though rare, throughout many of the Bahamian islands.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Photograph emerging bats at dusk with high-speed flash — never at roosts in winter.
- Bats need high-speed flash with an IR beam trigger; never photograph roosting bats in winter hibernation.
- Sightings peak in April, July, August and September, which is when you'll have the most chances.
- Tiny subjects: get close with a hide or feeder perch rather than cropping heavily.
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 Evening Bats#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an Eastern Red Bat?
At about 9 cm long, an eastern red bat fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 1,166 mm, or at 20 m with 2,332 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an Eastern Red Bat?
1/250 s when it's still; 1/20,000 s flash duration for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Eastern Red Bat?
Observations in North America peak in April, July, August and September. 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