Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 8 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) | 613 mm | 874 mm | 409 mm | 307 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 1,226 mm | 1,748 mm | 818 mm | 613 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 1,839 mm | 2,621 mm | 1,226 mm | 920 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 2,453 mm | 3,495 mm | 1,635 mm | 1,226 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 3,679 mm | 5,243 mm | 2,453 mm | 1,839 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 6,131 mm | 8,738 mm | 4,088 mm | 3,066 mm |
About the Northern Short-tailed Shrew#
The northern short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda) is the largest shrew in the genus Blarina, and occurs in the northeastern region of North America. It is a semifossorial, highly active, and voracious insectivore and is present in a variety of habitats. It is notable in that it is one of the few venomous mammals.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Extremely fast — burst mode and fast shutter.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in September and October, which is when you'll have the most chances.
- Tiny subjects: get close with a hide or feeder perch rather than cropping heavily.
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 Northern Short-tailed Shrew?
At about 8 cm long, a northern short-tailed shrew fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 1,226 mm, or at 20 m with 2,453 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Northern Short-tailed Shrew?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Northern Short-tailed Shrew?
Observations in North America peak in September and October. 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