Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 42 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) | 136 mm | 203 mm | 91 mm | 68 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 272 mm | 406 mm | 181 mm | 136 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 408 mm | 609 mm | 272 mm | 204 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 544 mm | 813 mm | 363 mm | 272 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 816 mm | 1,219 mm | 544 mm | 408 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,360 mm | 2,032 mm | 906 mm | 680 mm |
About the Virginia Opossum#
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), commonly known as the North American opossum, is a marsupial found in North America. It is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. In the United States, it is typically referred to simply as a possum.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Nocturnal — use off-camera flash or trail cameras.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in March, April and May, 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 Virginia Opossum?
At about 42 cm long, a virginia opossum fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 272 mm, or at 20 m with 544 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Virginia Opossum?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Virginia Opossum?
Observations in North America peak in March, April and May. 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