Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 65 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) | 90 mm | 135 mm | 60 mm | 45 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 179 mm | 269 mm | 120 mm | 90 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 269 mm | 404 mm | 179 mm | 135 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 359 mm | 539 mm | 239 mm | 179 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 538 mm | 808 mm | 359 mm | 269 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 897 mm | 1,347 mm | 598 mm | 449 mm |
About the Broad-winged Hawk#
The broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) is a small hawk of the genus Buteo. During the summer, some subspecies are distributed over eastern North America, as far west as British Columbia and Texas; they then migrate south to winter in the neotropics from Mexico south to southern Brazil. Other subspecies are all-year residents on Caribbean islands.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Wintering eagles concentrate near open water and fish runs.
- Shoot with the sun behind you to light the underwing.
- For flight shots use wide-area tracking and +0.3 to +1 EV against bright sky.
- Sightings peak in April, May, August and September, 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 Hawks, Eagles, and Kites#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Broad-winged Hawk?
At about 65 cm long, a broad-winged hawk fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 179 mm, or at 20 m with 359 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Broad-winged Hawk?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Broad-winged Hawk?
Observations in North America peak in April, May, August and September. 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