Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 105 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) | 56 mm | 84 mm | 37 mm | 28 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 112 mm | 169 mm | 75 mm | 56 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 168 mm | 253 mm | 112 mm | 84 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 224 mm | 337 mm | 149 mm | 112 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 336 mm | 506 mm | 224 mm | 168 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 559 mm | 843 mm | 373 mm | 280 mm |
About the Sandhill Crane#
The sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis) is a species of large crane of North America and extreme northeastern Siberia. The common name of this bird refers to habitat like that at the Platte River, on the edge of Nebraska's Sandhills on the American Plains. This is the most important stopover area for the nominotypical subspecies, the lesser sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis canadensis), with up to 450,000 of these birds migrating through annually.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Sunrise lift-offs at roost sites (e.g. Bosque del Apache) are classic.
- Herons and egrets stand still for long periods — wait for the strike or take-off and use continuous AF.
- Sightings peak in March, April and May, 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 Sandhill Crane?
At about 105 cm long, a sandhill crane fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 112 mm, or at 20 m with 224 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Sandhill Crane?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Sandhill Crane?
Observations in North America peak in March, April and May. 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