250–400 cm
Typical length (family range)
1/1000 s
Shutter: perched / still
1/2000–1/3200 s
Shutter: action / flight
f/6.3–f/8
Aperture
10,747
Research-grade sightings in N. America
Recommended camera settings#
ModeManual + Auto ISOLock shutter & aperture, let ISO float
Shutter (still)1/1000 s
Shutter (action)1/2000–1/3200 s
Aperturef/6.3–f/8
FocusAF-C + subject/eye detectionBoat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
DriveHigh-speed burst
Lens100–400 mmFull-frame equivalent
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 325 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) | 18 mm | 28 mm | 12 mm | 9 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 36 mm | 55 mm | 24 mm | 18 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 55 mm | 83 mm | 36 mm | 27 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 73 mm | 110 mm | 49 mm | 36 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 109 mm | 165 mm | 73 mm | 55 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 182 mm | 275 mm | 121 mm | 91 mm |
About the West Indian Manatee#
The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) or "sea cow" is a manatee, and the largest surviving member of the aquatic mammal order Sirenia (which also includes the dugong and the extinct Steller's sea cow).
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Clear springs in Florida winters; never touch or chase.
- Boat motion adds blur — keep 1/1000 s minimum and use stabilisation.
- Sightings peak in January, February, March and December, 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 West Indian Manatee?
At about 325 cm long, a west indian manatee fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 36 mm, or at 20 m with 73 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a West Indian Manatee?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2000–1/3200 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a West Indian Manatee?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March and December. 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