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 800D Canon EOS 800D
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2017
Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Sony a99 II Sony a99 II
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2016
Type: SLT
Sensor: Full frame


Canon EOS M6 Mark II Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2019
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Canon EOS Kiss M2 Canon EOS Kiss M2
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2020
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C (1.6x)


Canon EOS R3 Canon EOS R3
Lenses | Compatibility |  Specs | Compare
Released: 2021
Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Full frame


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 50mm F1.4 G Nikon AF-S 50mm F1.4 G
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2008
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
Focal Length: 50 mm


Nikon Z 40mm F2 SE Nikon Z 40mm F2 SE
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2022
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/2
Focal Length: 40 mm


Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F1.8 G Nikon AF-S DX 35mm F1.8 G
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2009
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,8
Focal Length: 35 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


Nikon AF-S 58mm F1.4 G Nikon AF-S 58mm F1.4 G
Review  |  Compatibility  |  Specs  |  Compare
Released: 2013
Normal Lens, no zoom (prime)
Aperture: f/1,4
Focal Length: 58 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 Dalmatian with tongue on nose See camera and lens details
1/600s  90mm  f/4,5

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

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

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

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

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 Siberian Husky at the lake See camera and lens details
1/320s  135mm  f/5,6

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

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

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

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 French Bulldog puppy is sitting on his pillow See camera and lens details
1/60s  70mm  f/5