Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 140 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) | 42 mm | 63 mm | 28 mm | 21 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 84 mm | 127 mm | 56 mm | 42 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 126 mm | 190 mm | 84 mm | 63 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 168 mm | 254 mm | 112 mm | 84 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 252 mm | 381 mm | 168 mm | 126 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 421 mm | 635 mm | 280 mm | 210 mm |
About the Pronghorn#
The pronghorn ( /ˈprɒŋˌhɔːrn/) (Antilocapra americana) is a species of artiodactyl mammal indigenous to interior western and central North America. Though not an antelope, it is often known colloquially in North America as the American antelope, prong buck, pronghorn antelope, prairie antelope, or simply antelope because it closely resembles the true antelopes of the Old World and fills a similar ecological niche due to parallel evolution.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Fastest land mammal in the Americas — pan at 1/2000 s.
- Use animal-eye AF; for herds stop down a little so several animals are sharp.
- Sightings peak in May, June and July, 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 Pronghorn?
At about 140 cm long, a pronghorn fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 84 mm, or at 20 m with 168 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Pronghorn?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/1600–1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Pronghorn?
Observations in North America peak in May, June and July. 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