Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 260 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) | 23 mm | 34 mm | 15 mm | 11 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 45 mm | 69 mm | 30 mm | 23 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 68 mm | 103 mm | 45 mm | 34 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 91 mm | 138 mm | 61 mm | 45 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 136 mm | 206 mm | 91 mm | 68 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 227 mm | 344 mm | 152 mm | 114 mm |
About the Harbor Seal#
The harbor (or harbour) seal (Phoca vitulina), also known as the common seal, is a true seal found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere. The most widely distributed species of pinniped (walruses, eared seals, and true seals), they are found in coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Baltic and North Seas.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Haul-outs: stay back so seals don't flush into the water.
- Boat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
- Sightings peak in June, July and August, 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 Earless Seals#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Harbor Seal?
At about 260 cm long, a harbor seal fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 45 mm, or at 20 m with 91 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Harbor Seal?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Harbor Seal?
Observations in North America peak in June, July and August. 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