Optical zoom performance

Hybrid or optical zoom is frequently praised for keeping subjects framed and improving detail when the telephoto stream engages. License plate capture at night remains mixed, with some overexposure reports depending on lighting.

The 3x optical telephoto is a standout for identifying faces or plates at moderate distances; beyond that, quality drops as hybrid zoom takes over.

The telephoto lens and 3x optical zoom are repeatedly highlighted as the best way to capture readable detail at longer distances, often cited as useful out to around 50 feet.

Several reviews note there is no true optical zoom on this model, only digital zoom within the app. If you need close-up detail at longer distances, this is a limitation.