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 Red-tailed Hawk#
The red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey that breeds throughout most of North America, from the interior of Alaska and northern Canada to as far south as Panama and the West Indies. It is one of the most common members within the genus of Buteo in North America or worldwide. The red-tailed hawk is one of three species colloquially known in the United States as the "chickenhawk", though it rarely preys on standard-sized...
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 January, February, March, April, 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 Hawks, Eagles, and Kites#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Red-tailed Hawk?
At about 65 cm long, a red-tailed 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 Red-tailed Hawk?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Red-tailed Hawk?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April, 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