Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 41 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) | 141 mm | 210 mm | 94 mm | 70 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 282 mm | 421 mm | 188 mm | 141 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 422 mm | 631 mm | 282 mm | 211 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 563 mm | 841 mm | 375 mm | 282 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 845 mm | 1,262 mm | 563 mm | 422 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,408 mm | 2,103 mm | 939 mm | 704 mm |
About the Merlin#
The Merlin (Falco columbarius) is a small species of falcon from the Northern Hemisphere, with numerous subspecies throughout North America and Eurasia. A bird of prey once known colloquially as a pigeon hawk in North America, the Merlin breeds in the northern Holarctic; some migrate to subtropical and northern tropical regions in winter. Males typically have wingspans of 53–58 centimetres (21–23 in), with females being slightly larger.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Kestrels hover on windy days — a great chance at sharp flight shots.
- For flight shots use wide-area tracking and +0.3 to +1 EV against bright sky.
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 Falcons and Caracaras#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Merlin?
At about 41 cm long, a merlin fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 282 mm, or at 20 m with 563 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Merlin?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Merlin?
Observations in North America peak in January, April, 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