Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 150 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) | 39 mm | 59 mm | 26 mm | 20 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 79 mm | 119 mm | 52 mm | 39 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 118 mm | 178 mm | 79 mm | 59 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 157 mm | 237 mm | 105 mm | 79 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 236 mm | 356 mm | 157 mm | 118 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 393 mm | 593 mm | 262 mm | 196 mm |
About the Bobcat#
The bobcat (Lynx rufus) is a North American cat that appeared during the Irvingtonian stage of around 1.8 million years ago (AEO). Containing 12 recognized subspecies, it ranges from southern Canada to central Mexico, including most of the contiguous United States. The bobcat is an adaptable predator that inhabits wooded areas, as well as semidesert, urban edge, forest edge, and swampland environments.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Bobcats hunt at dawn in grassland edges — be patient.
- Dawn and dusk activity means high ISO — prioritise shutter speed and accept some noise.
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 Felids#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Bobcat?
At about 150 cm long, a bobcat fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 79 mm, or at 20 m with 157 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Bobcat?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Bobcat?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April, May, September, October, 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