150–280 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/500 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/4–f/6.3
Aperture
75,088
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/500 s
Shutter (action)1/2000 s
Aperturef/4–f/6.3
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionDawn and dusk activity means high ISO — prioritise shutter speed and accept some noise.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 215 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) | 27 mm | 42 mm | 18 mm | 14 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 55 mm | 83 mm | 37 mm | 27 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 82 mm | 125 mm | 55 mm | 41 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 110 mm | 166 mm | 73 mm | 55 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 165 mm | 249 mm | 110 mm | 82 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 275 mm | 415 mm | 183 mm | 137 mm |
About the American Black Bear#
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is a medium-sized bear native to North America.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Keep 100 m from bears; use 600 mm and crop.
- Carry bear spray; never approach cubs.
- Dawn and dusk activity means high ISO — prioritise shutter speed and accept some noise.
- Sightings peak in May, June, July and August, 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 Bears#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph an American Black Bear?
At about 215 cm long, an american black bear fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 55 mm, or at 20 m with 110 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an American Black Bear?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a American Black Bear?
Observations in North America peak in May, June, July and August. 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