35–65 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/800 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/5.6–f/8
Aperture
5,456
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/800 s
Shutter (action)1/2000 s
Aperturef/5.6–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionGet down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 50 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) | 116 mm | 174 mm | 77 mm | 58 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 232 mm | 347 mm | 155 mm | 116 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 348 mm | 521 mm | 232 mm | 174 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 464 mm | 695 mm | 309 mm | 232 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 696 mm | 1,042 mm | 464 mm | 348 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,160 mm | 1,737 mm | 774 mm | 580 mm |
About the Mountain Cottontail#
The mountain cottontail or Nuttall's cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii) is a species of mammal in the family Leporidae. It is found in Canada and the United States.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Backlit ears at sunrise make classic portraits.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in May, June 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 Hares and Rabbits#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Mountain Cottontail?
At about 50 cm long, a mountain cottontail fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 232 mm, or at 20 m with 464 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Mountain Cottontail?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Mountain Cottontail?
Observations in North America peak in May, June 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