Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 75 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) | 78 mm | 117 mm | 52 mm | 39 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 156 mm | 234 mm | 104 mm | 78 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 234 mm | 352 mm | 156 mm | 117 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 312 mm | 469 mm | 208 mm | 156 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 468 mm | 703 mm | 312 mm | 234 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 780 mm | 1,172 mm | 520 mm | 390 mm |
About the Central American Squirrel Monkey#
The Central American squirrel monkey or (Saimiri oerstedii), also known as red-backed squirrel monkey, is a squirrel monkey species from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and Panama. It is restricted to the northwestern tip of Panama near the border with Costa Rica, and the central and southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, primarily in Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks.
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.
- Sightings peak in January, February, March and July, 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 Cebid Monkeys#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Central American Squirrel Monkey?
At about 75 cm long, a central american squirrel monkey fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 156 mm, or at 20 m with 312 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Central American Squirrel Monkey?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Central American Squirrel Monkey?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March and July. 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