Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 225 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) | 26 mm | 40 mm | 18 mm | 13 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 53 mm | 79 mm | 35 mm | 26 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 79 mm | 119 mm | 53 mm | 39 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 105 mm | 159 mm | 70 mm | 53 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 158 mm | 238 mm | 105 mm | 79 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 263 mm | 397 mm | 175 mm | 131 mm |
About the California Sea Lion#
The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is a coastal eared seal native to western North America. It is one of six species of sea lion. Its natural habitat ranges from southeast Alaska to central Mexico, including the Gulf of California.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Harbours and piers give close but legal views.
- Boat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
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 Eared Seals#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a California Sea Lion?
At about 225 cm long, a california sea lion fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 53 mm, or at 20 m with 105 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a California Sea Lion?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a California Sea Lion?
Observations in North America peak in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. 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