15–30 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/800 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/5.6–f/8
Aperture
3,071
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/800 s
Shutter (action)1/2000 s
Aperturef/5.6–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionGet down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens200–600 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 22 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) | 251 mm | 370 mm | 167 mm | 125 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 502 mm | 741 mm | 334 mm | 251 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 752 mm | 1,111 mm | 502 mm | 376 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 1,003 mm | 1,481 mm | 669 mm | 502 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 1,505 mm | 2,222 mm | 1,003 mm | 752 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 2,508 mm | 3,704 mm | 1,672 mm | 1,254 mm |
Field-craft tips#
- Wait at fresh mounds.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in 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 Botta's Pocket Gopher?
At about 22 cm long, a botta's pocket gopher fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 502 mm, or at 20 m with 1,003 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Botta's Pocket Gopher?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Botta's Pocket Gopher?
Observations in North America peak in 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
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources