Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 15 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally. Small birds demand long lenses and a close approach — a blind or feeder setup helps.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 367 mm | 536 mm | 245 mm | 183 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 734 mm | 1,071 mm | 489 mm | 367 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 1,101 mm | 1,607 mm | 734 mm | 550 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 1,468 mm | 2,143 mm | 979 mm | 734 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 2,202 mm | 3,214 mm | 1,468 mm | 1,101 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 3,669 mm | 5,357 mm | 2,446 mm | 1,835 mm |
About the Eastern Mole#
The eastern mole or common mole (Scalopus aquaticus) is a medium-sized, overall grey North American mole and the only member of the genus Scalopus. Its large, hairless, spade-shaped forefeet are adapted for digging. The species is native to Canada (Ontario), Mexico, and the eastern United States, and has the widest range of any North American mole.
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 May and June, 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 an Eastern Mole?
At about 15 cm long, an eastern mole fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 734 mm, or at 20 m with 1,468 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for an Eastern Mole?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Eastern Mole?
Observations in North America peak in May and June. 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