Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 75 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) | 78 mm | 117 mm | 52 mm | 39 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 156 mm | 234 mm | 104 mm | 78 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 234 mm | 352 mm | 156 mm | 117 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 312 mm | 469 mm | 208 mm | 156 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 468 mm | 703 mm | 312 mm | 234 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 780 mm | 1,172 mm | 520 mm | 390 mm |
About the Northern Tamandua#
The northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) is a species of tamandua, an anteater in the family Myrmecophagidae. They live in tropical and subtropical forests from southern Mexico, through Central America, and to the edge of the northern Andes.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in January, February and March, 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.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Northern Tamandua?
At about 75 cm long, a northern tamandua fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 156 mm, or at 20 m with 312 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Northern Tamandua?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Northern Tamandua?
Observations in North America peak in January, February and March. 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