I’m not sure if it was part of a midlife crisis or just a change in direction, but a few years back I got really into bird watching. It started out my kitchen window, then from the backyard, and then while hiking. This all led to the need for a good set of binoculars.
Around the same time, I found this incredible nature center in Quechee, Vermont called Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences (VINS). Though VINS is known for a variety of things, the most notable is its Forest Canopy Walk, which takes you in and up into the woods to give you a literal bird’s-eye view of everything. This is where I was first introduced to NOCS Provisions binoculars and monoculars, which are sold in their gift shop.
Where the look and feel of binoculars are generally standardized, NOCS Provisions has taken binoculars and monoculars and made them cool by creating color combinations and an appealing brand presence to match. What’s more is that their products are made from high-quality materials and have exceptional clarity for the recreational user, from a brand that’s notably less expensive than names like Nikon, Maven, and ZEISS.
Being that VINS is the genesis of my fascination with looking glasses, it felt apropos for me to head back out there to test NOCS Provisions’ latest product – the Zero Tube. Both in June and October, and many times in between, I took the opportunity to test out the monocular and can confidently say that its balance between size, power, and clarity is uncanny. Oh! And it has a pocket clip.
Specs
- Power: 10x
- Objective Lens: 25 mm
- Field of View: 341 ft @ 1000 yards
- Minimum Focus Length: 4.9 ft.
- Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated, ED glass
- Prism: Roof / Phase Coated BaK4
- Waterproof Rating: IPX7
- Fogproofing: Yes. Nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed
- Eye Relief: 16.3 mm
- Size: 4.33 in x 1.57 in x 1.73 in
- Weight: 7.2 oz
NOCS Monoculars
The Zero Tube represents the third monocular in the NOCS lineup. There is the original Zoom Tube, and then there is the Field Tube. The big difference between the two is that the Field Tube is fully rated for the great outdoors, where the Zoom Tube is not. Additionally, the Field Tube is available in both 8×32 and 10×32, whereas the Zoom Tube is only available in 8×32.
Although neither of these is an apples-to-apples equivalent to the Zero Tube, the Field Tube 10×32 is more closely related. All three have the same prism type; however, the coating on the Field Tube will provide more clarity that pairs nicely with the 10×32’s ability to still operate at an optimal level in low light conditions.
That all being said, out of the three, the Field Tube is probably the best overall in terms of power and adaptability. However, even though monoculars are more compact than binoculars by design, the Zero Tube is the smallest in the series. For me, that adds to the overall appeal when it comes to bird watching and general glassing (scanning the landscape).
Unboxing and Initial Thoughts
The Zero Tube is the smallest outdoor monocular I have ever encountered. The focus knob is built into the barrel for one-handed adjustments, and the pocket clip is great for carrying. I think it’s better than a neck strap, which can be cumbersome if you’re wearing a pack or have anything else around your neck.
The Zero Tube feels rugged and has the NOCS standard grippy rubber coating. The focus is smooth, where I figured it would be a little jumpy, since it’s built into the tube and being operated by one hand. In fact, I find the Zero Tube to be a lot easier to hold and adjust compared to the Zoom and Field Tubes. It’s not just the smaller size, but the relocation of the focus knob into the body. All three can be used with one hand, but the way you hold and adjust the Zero Tube feels more natural.
Monoculars vs. Binoculars
The major benefits of monoculars over binoculars are ease of use and one-handed use. Something that the Zero Tube excels at. However, for prolonged use, Binoculars will generally give you a better viewing experience. That said, people who wear contact lenses or glasses can have a harder time using binoculars.
I’ve been near-sighted my whole life. Now that I’m getting older, I have to wear reading glasses, in addition to my contacts, when reading or looking at things up close. This creates an issue for me when trying to focus with some binoculars that isn’t present when I use monoculars. After checking Google, I guess I’m not alone – this is actually really common. I have really benefited from the Zero Tube and monoculars in general. It’s easy for me to adjust and use it for both quick looks and longer scanning.
Overall
I had a lot of fun using the Zero Tube over the last few months – both randomly and on planned trips. It’s compact enough to throw into a fanny pack or even tuck it into your pocket.
Even though the Field Tube 10×32 is a more powerful monocular for $50 less, the benefits of the Zero Tube are in its size and function. It also has a wider field of view than the Field Tube, which means you’ll see more in one shot with less distortion.
The fact that the focus knob is built into the body really makes adjusting the Zero Tube on the fly a breeze. And, as I mentioned earlier, it’s not choppy – the change in focus is seamless. Initially, I had concerns about how the Zero Tube would work with gloves on. I am happy to report that there were no issues whatsoever. It’s as if NOCS stuffed some ball bearings inside to make the adjustment intentionally smoother.
In Conclusion
NOCS has really grown as a brand in the last few years. I have had the rare opportunity to test out everything in their lineup, for one purpose or another. Their balance between form, function, and price is a real challenge in an industry known for binoculars and monoculars that could easily run you $500 or more.
At $180, the NOCS Zero Tube is $50 more than their award-winning Field Tube. But overall, it’s still a good price compared to what’s out there from other manufacturers. However, I think that might still be a pinch point for some people. That said, if you were shopping for your first monocular, go with the Zero Tube. Its size makes it less of a burden and more of a necessity.
Whether you’re just breaking into glassing or you’ve been doing it for a while, the Zero Tube will check off many more boxes than you might expect in a monocular – or even a binocular. Its smaller size and pocket clip make it easy to carry and access. Its field of view and clarity are impressive, even in low light conditions, and the ability to adjust the focus with one hand is chef’s kiss.
