Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 45 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) | 129 mm | 192 mm | 86 mm | 64 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 257 mm | 385 mm | 171 mm | 129 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 386 mm | 577 mm | 257 mm | 193 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 514 mm | 769 mm | 343 mm | 257 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 772 mm | 1,154 mm | 514 mm | 386 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,286 mm | 1,923 mm | 857 mm | 643 mm |
About the Mexican Long-nosed Armadillo#
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), also called the nine-banded long-nosed armadillo or common long-nosed armadillo, is a species of armadillo native to North, Central, and South America, making it the most widespread of the armadillos. They superficially resemble pangolins, though the two are not closely related; they have undergone convergent evolution.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Forage at dusk along trails in the southern US.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
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 a Mexican Long-nosed Armadillo?
At about 45 cm long, a mexican long-nosed armadillo fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 257 mm, or at 20 m with 514 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Mexican Long-nosed Armadillo?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Mexican Long-nosed Armadillo?
Observations in North America peak in February, March, April, May, June, July, September and October. 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