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 Ringed Kingfisher#
The ringed kingfisher (Megaceryle torquata) is a large, conspicuous and noisy kingfisher commonly found along the lower Rio Grande valley in southeasternmost Texas in the United States through Central America to Tierra del Fuego in South America.
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, 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 Kingfishers#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Ringed Kingfisher?
At about 32 cm long, a ringed 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 Ringed Kingfisher?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Ringed Kingfisher?
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