Troy on Nostr: I learned it from ocean crossing sailors. They often don't have super large lenses, ...

I learned it from ocean crossing sailors. They often don't have super large lenses, as the motion of the waves, with that much zoom, wouldn't allow you to see anything. A typical mag‌ification for sailors is 7x50. So, that size, or larger, would work.

The larger the far lens is, the more light gathered. Of course, that means a larger, and heavier, device. If it's mounted on your porch, or a tripod, then it's not much of an issue.