Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 85 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) | 69 mm | 104 mm | 46 mm | 34 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 138 mm | 207 mm | 92 mm | 69 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 207 mm | 311 mm | 138 mm | 103 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 276 mm | 415 mm | 184 mm | 138 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 414 mm | 622 mm | 276 mm | 207 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 689 mm | 1,037 mm | 459 mm | 345 mm |
About the Northern Gannet#
The northern gannet (Morus bassanus) is a seabird and the largest member of the gannet family, Sulidae. "Gannet" is derived from Old English ganot "strong or masculine", ultimately from the same Old Germanic root as "gander". Morus is derived from Ancient Greek moros, "foolish" due to the lack of fear shown by breeding gannets and boobies allowing them to be easily killed. The specific bassanus is from the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth, which...
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Plunge dives demand 1/4000 s and wide tracking AF.
- Bright sand and surf fool meters — dial in exposure manually or with auto-ISO and compensation.
- Sightings peak in June, July, August and November, 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 Northern Gannet?
At about 85 cm long, a northern gannet fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 138 mm, or at 20 m with 276 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Northern Gannet?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/4000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Northern Gannet?
Observations in North America peak in June, July, August and November. 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