10–70 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/800 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/5.6–f/8
Aperture
9,004
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
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
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 Brown Rat#
The Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus), also referred to as the common rat, street rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, Norway rat, Norwegian rat, or wharf rat is one of the best known and most common rats.
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 Brown Rat?
At about 40 cm long, a brown 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 Brown Rat?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Brown Rat?
Observations in North America peak in April, May, June, July, August, September and October. 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