When choosing a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera, optical zoom is one of the most important specifications. With so many options in our company and on the market — 20X, 25X, 30X, 33X, 36X, 37X, 38X, 40X, 52X, 72X, 92X — many customers get confused.
This article provides a detailed comparison to help you pick the right zoom level for your project.
🔍 What Is Optical Zoom?
Optical zoom means the camera lens physically moves to magnify the image without quality loss. It’s different from digital zoom, which enlarges pixels and results in blurriness.
A higher zoom level means:
* You can see farther
* You can capture more details
* You may need stronger IR or laser night vision
📊 Comparison Table: Optical Zoom Levels
| Zoom Level | Typical Viewing Distance | Recommended Use |
| 20X | ~100–150m | Small areas, parking lots |
| 25X | ~150–180m | Residential properties |
| 30X | ~200–250m | General use, warehouses |
| 33X | ~250–300m | Factories, school zones |
| 36X | ~300–350m | Large open areas |
| 37X | ~320–370m | Extended farms, logistics |
| 38X | ~350–400m | Medium-long range |
| 40X | ~400–450m | Outdoor perimeters |
| 52X | ~500–800m | Construction sites, large fields |
| 72X | ~800m-900m | Border zones, oil fields |
| 92X | 1km+ | Long-range surveillance, ports, borders |
Note: Actual visibility depends on weather, lighting, lens quality, and infrared/laser support.
📐 Real-Life Examples
20X: Read license plate at ~80m
33X: Identify a face at ~250m
52X: Watch a person clearly from ~600m
92X: Focus on a car or object over 1 kilometer away
⚙️ Key Factors When Choosing Zoom
Distance: How far is the area you want to monitor?
Clarity: Do you need to see faces or license plates?
Mounting: Higher zoom lenses are larger and need stable installation
Night Vision: Long zoom requires powerful IR or laser
Budget: Higher zoom generally means higher cost
✅ Conclusion
Here’s a simplified selection guide:
| Zoom | Best for |
| 20X–30X | Small to medium-scale use (homes, shops, parking lots) |
| 33X–40X | Schools, factories, and farms |
| 52X–72X | Warehouses, construction sites, open land |
| 92X | Long-distance critical surveillance (borders, military zones, ports) |
Still not sure which zoom level to choose?
Contact LOYALTY-SECU — we’ll help you find the perfect PTZ camera for your needs.
Presents by Shenzhen LOYALTY-SECU Technology Co., LTD
Business site: www.loyalty-secu.com
