Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 40 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) | 144 mm | 215 mm | 96 mm | 72 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 288 mm | 431 mm | 192 mm | 144 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 433 mm | 646 mm | 288 mm | 216 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 577 mm | 861 mm | 385 mm | 288 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 865 mm | 1,292 mm | 577 mm | 433 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,442 mm | 2,153 mm | 961 mm | 721 mm |
About the Black Rat#
The black rat (Rattus rattus), also known as the ship rat, roof rat, house rat, is a common long-tailed rodent of the genus Rattus (rats) in the subfamily Murinae. The species originated in tropical Asia and spread through the Near East in Roman times before reaching Europe by the 1st century and spreading with Europeans across the world.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
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 Old World Mice and Rats#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Black Rat?
At about 40 cm long, a black rat fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 288 mm, or at 20 m with 577 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Black Rat?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Black Rat?
Observations in North America peak in April, May, June, July, August, September, October 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