Recommended camera settings#
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 Brown Bear#
The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is the most widely distributed bear and is found across much of northern Eurasia and North America. It is one of the largest living terrestrial members of the order Carnivora, rivaled in body size only by its close cousin, the polar bear (Ursus maritimus), which is much less variable in size and slightly larger on average.
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 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 a Brown Bear?
At about 215 cm long, a brown 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 a Brown Bear?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Brown Bear?
Observations in North America peak in 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