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 North American Porcupine#
The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), also known as the Canadian porcupine or common porcupine, is a large rodent in the New World porcupine family. The beaver is the only rodent in North America that is larger than the North American porcupine. The porcupine is a caviomorph rodent whose ancestors rafted across the Atlantic from Africa to Brazil over 30 million years ago, and then migrated to North America during the Great American Interchange after the...
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Often rest in trees by day.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in May, 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 North American Porcupine?
At about 75 cm long, a north american porcupine 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 North American Porcupine?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a North American Porcupine?
Observations in North America peak in May. 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