Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 1300 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) | 5 mm | 7 mm | 3 mm | 2 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 9 mm | 14 mm | 6 mm | 5 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 14 mm | 21 mm | 9 mm | 7 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 18 mm | 28 mm | 12 mm | 9 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 27 mm | 41 mm | 18 mm | 14 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 46 mm | 69 mm | 30 mm | 23 mm |
About the Grey Whale#
The gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus), also known as the grey whale, gray back whale, Pacific gray whale, or California gray whale is a baleen whale that migrates between feeding and breeding grounds yearly. It reaches a length of 14.9 meters (49 ft), a weight of 36 tonnes (40 short tons), and lives between 55 and 70 years. The common name of the whale comes from the gray patches and white mottling on its dark skin.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Spring migration along the Pacific coast.
- Boat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
- Sightings peak in February and March, 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 a Grey Whale?
At about 1300 cm long, a grey whale fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 9 mm, or at 20 m with 18 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Grey Whale?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Grey Whale?
Observations in North America peak in February and March. 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