Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 32 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) | 182 mm | 270 mm | 121 mm | 91 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 363 mm | 541 mm | 242 mm | 182 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 545 mm | 811 mm | 363 mm | 273 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 727 mm | 1,081 mm | 485 mm | 363 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 1,090 mm | 1,622 mm | 727 mm | 545 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,817 mm | 2,703 mm | 1,211 mm | 909 mm |
About the Belted Kingfisher#
The belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher, the only member of that group commonly found in the northern United States and Canada. It is depicted on the 1986 series Canadian $5 note. All kingfishers were formerly placed in one family, Alcedinidae, but recent research suggests that this should be divided into three subfamilies.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Use a perch over a pond for dive sequences at 1/4000 s.
- For flight shots use wide-area tracking and +0.3 to +1 EV against bright sky.
- Sightings peak in January, August, September, October, November and December, 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.
More Kingfishers#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Belted Kingfisher?
At about 32 cm long, a belted kingfisher fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 363 mm, or at 20 m with 727 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Belted Kingfisher?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Belted Kingfisher?
Observations in North America peak in January, August, September, October, November and December. 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