Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 200 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) | 30 mm | 45 mm | 20 mm | 15 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 59 mm | 89 mm | 39 mm | 30 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 89 mm | 134 mm | 59 mm | 44 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 118 mm | 178 mm | 79 mm | 59 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 177 mm | 268 mm | 118 mm | 89 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 295 mm | 446 mm | 197 mm | 148 mm |
About the Wapiti#
The elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti, is one of the largest species within the deer family, Cervidae, and one of the largest terrestrial mammals in North America, as well as Central and East Asia. It is often confused with the larger Alces alces, which is called moose in North America, but called elk in British English, and related names in other European languages (German Elch, Swedish älg, French élan). The name "wapiti" is
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- The autumn rut (Sept–Nov) brings bugling elk and sparring bucks.
- Keep 25 m+ from elk and moose; they are dangerous during the rut and calving.
- Use animal-eye AF; for herds stop down a little so several animals are sharp.
- Sightings peak in June, July, August and September, 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 Deer#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Wapiti?
At about 200 cm long, a wapiti fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 59 mm, or at 20 m with 118 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Wapiti?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/1600–1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Wapiti?
Observations in North America peak in June, July, August and September. 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