How to photograph Mastiff

This is the ultimate guide on how to photograph dogs and Mastiff. As always, when taking pictures of animals there are things to think about and below you will also find both camera and lens recommendations.

Try to really capture the personality of your Mastiff. Perhaps he or she has a unique expression, or does something that is very significant for a Mastiff? When it comes to cameras and lenses you can pretty much go with any kind of camera gear, but with a standard zoom lens you will never be wrong. If you want to capture the dog in action, for example running, this can demand a bit of your camera and lens in order for the autofocus to maintain the sharp and crisp details, in the eyes etc. When photographing a Mastiff that is running, it is easier to do that from the side than if the Mastiff is running towards you. The autofocus has an easier time following an object that is moving sideways than straight towards you.

Another tip while photographing dogs in general is to get down on their level, on ground level that is. If you are standing up and shooting your pictures downwards you might end up with a lot of lawn or floor in the picture. If you can get a bit dirty, try to lay down on your lawn and capture your Mastiff with some sky, garden or trees in the background. That makes a better picture.

Best cameras for photographing Mastiff

Perhaps you already have a camera but here are some popular camera alternatives that might be suitable for photographing dogs and Mastiff.

Canon EOS Kiss X8i Canon EOS Kiss X8i
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Canon EOS Rebel T6 Canon EOS Rebel T6
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2016
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Fujifilm X-H1 Fujifilm X-H1
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2018
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Fujifilm X-T20 Fujifilm X-T20
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2017
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.5x)


Canon EOS Rebel T6s Canon EOS Rebel T6s
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2015
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Best lenses for photographing Mastiff

Here are some popular lenses that might suit your needs when photographing dogs and Mastiff. You can also view all of our lenses or start by selecting your camera and then see which lenses that are compatible.

Nikon AF-S 60mm F2.8 G ED Micro Nikon AF-S 60mm F2.8 G ED Micro
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2008
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Macro capabilities (1:1)
Aperture: f/2,8
Focal Length: 60 mm


Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R Fujifilm XF 35mm F1.4 R
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2012
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
Focal Length: 35 mm


Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM Canon EF 40mm F2.8 STM
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2012
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/2,8
Focal Length: 40 mm


Sony FE 50mm F1.8 Sony FE 50mm F1.8
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2016
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
Focal Length: 50 mm


Sony FE 50mm F1.4 ZA Planar T Sony FE 50mm F1.4 ZA Planar T
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2016
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
Focal Length: 50 mm


Images of other dogs

Here are a few images of dogs that might inspire you. Perhaps these can give you ideas on how to best photograph your Mastiff? Click on the image you want to know more about. Each image has information with which camera and lens they were shot and with which settings.

A Doberman with tongue hanging out See camera and lens details
1/1250s  116mm  f/5

A Pembrok Welsh Corgi is running on the railroad tracks while it is raining See camera and lens details
1/200s  150mm  f/2,8

A cute puppy with necklace See camera and lens details
1/320s  50mm  f/3,2

Two rottweiler puppys behind a wooden fence See camera and lens details
1/400s  119mm  f/4

A Labrador Retriever is getting a small snack See camera and lens details
1/400s  50mm  f/1,4

A ten week old Golden Retriever puppy See camera and lens details
1/60s  200mm  f/8

A small Maltese puppy in the grass See camera and lens details
1/1000s  90mm  f/5,6

A Golden Retriever puppy is sitting in his food tray See camera and lens details
1/1250s  50mm  f/5,6

A wet Golden Retriever puppy See camera and lens details
1/200s  225mm  f/5,6

A Bulldog is laying on the floor resting See camera and lens details
1/60s  85mm  f/1,4

Best friends looking out over the lake See camera and lens details
1/640s  50mm  f/1,8

A Weimaraner looking up at the camera See camera and lens details
1/200s  50mm  f/1,8

A snowy St Bernard See camera and lens details
1/1600s  122mm  f/5,6

A Dalmatian with tongue on nose See camera and lens details
1/600s  90mm  f/4,5

Dachshund puppy See camera and lens details
1/4000s  116mm  f/4,5