Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 55 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) | 106 mm | 158 mm | 70 mm | 53 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 211 mm | 317 mm | 141 mm | 106 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 317 mm | 475 mm | 211 mm | 159 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 423 mm | 634 mm | 282 mm | 211 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 634 mm | 951 mm | 423 mm | 317 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,057 mm | 1,585 mm | 705 mm | 529 mm |
About the Ringtail#
The ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) is a mammal of the raccoon family, native to arid regions of North America. It is also known as the ringtail cat, ring-tailed cat, miner's cat or bassarisk, and is also sometimes called a "civet cat" (after similar, though only distantly related, cat-like carnivores of Asia and Africa). The ringtail is sometimes called a cacomistle, though this term seems to be more often used to refer to Bassariscus sumichrasti.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Nocturnal — try trail cameras or dusk at wetland edges.
- Get down to eye level; a long lens with close focus (or an extension tube) helps with small subjects.
- Sightings peak in April, 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 Raccoons, Coatis, and Allies#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Ringtail?
At about 55 cm long, a ringtail fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 211 mm, or at 20 m with 423 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Ringtail?
1/800 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Ringtail?
Observations in North America peak in April. 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