Dr Isaac Vaisman, APSA, PPSA
August 2026 - Brown Throated Three Toed Sloth
About the Image(s)
This Brown Sloth image was created in the Rain Forest of Costa Rica a few years ago, up high in a tree and under the canopy which makes photography a challenge because of the poor illumination. This are the slowest animals in nature, and they can not walk, so the remain on the trees. Are strict herbivores feeding on leaves, twigs, and flower buds. They have a very slow metabolism, meaning it can take up to a month to digest a single meal.
The image was created with a Nikon D5 with the Nikkor lens 800 mm f/5.6 + 1.25x TC fofr a total of 1000 mm and these settings: ISO 3200, f/7.1 and 1/1250 sec. The image wa PP in LightRoom, denoised and cropped.
4 comments posted
Isaac - This is a great photograph! I've seen sloths before, but was always on the ground straining my neck to look up high where the sloth was. Here you seem to be at eye level with the sloth and the detail on the fur is fantastic. I'm assuming you selected the fast shutter speed because of the long focal length - clearly the sloth wasn't moving too quickly! Posted: 08/03/2026 20:40:03
Wow, Isaac, what a vibrant image of a seemingly calm and content sloth with its dark, soulful eyes and somewhat curious gaze. The image is real sharp, particularly its shaggy and course brown fur. The blurred background of muted green leaves make the sloth really stand out. And thanks for the added info on their diet which must be a perfect match to their amazingly slow metabolism. Posted: 08/07/2026 00:34:12
Great shot Isaac! You did well to hold a heavy body/lens combo vertically upwards for the time necessary to time and compose your shot! I know how exhausting that can be! The trees in Costa Rica are so amazingly high - especially in the rain forests. You timed this and positioned yourself perfectly to show is it's mouth open - really helps to give the image character. Well done! Posted: 08/10/2026 16:33:56
Hi Isaac,
Great image of this sloth, which you have framed nicely, including information about its environment and diet. The level of detail is excellent, and the eye contact creates a strong connection with the viewer.
I also really appreciate the information about this animal, which remains largely unknown to most of us. Posted: 08/24/2026 13:05:53
Great image of this sloth, which you have framed nicely, including information about its environment and diet. The level of detail is excellent, and the eye contact creates a strong connection with the viewer.
I also really appreciate the information about this animal, which remains largely unknown to most of us. Posted: 08/24/2026 13:05:53