The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube is a single tube, long-distance scope that stashes comfortably in my backpack shoulder strap pocket so I have easy access when I want to view the summits on the trail ahead or birds in the trees nearby.
Overview: Nocs Provisions Zero Tube
MSRP: $179.95
Dimensions: 4.33 in. x 1.57 in. x 1.73 in.
Weight: 7.2 ounces
About the Zero Tube
The Zero Tube monocular is a fun addition to my pack on trips into the woods. Weighing 7.2 ounces, it doesn’t add significant weight. I especially enjoy using it to check on the two bald eagle chicks in an island nest near a hiking trail I maintain.
The Zero Tube is small enough to fit in one hand, but it does require two hands for adjusting focus. One hand holds the Zero Tube to my eye while the other twists the front tube to bring images into sharp focus. I do find that it can be hard to keep my hands still while looking through the monocular.
The extra-low dispersion (ED) glass used in the Zero Tube sharpens resolution, improves contrast, and delivers more accurate color so the image is crisp.
The eye cup is easy to twist, inward if you’re wearing glasses, outward if you aren’t.
The field of view (FOV) is 341 feet wide at 1,000 yards deep at the farthest distance from an object, with the field of view’s width decreasing at a closer distance. The closest focus is 4.9 feet.
Want to take a picture with your cellphone using the Zero Tube? Nocs has a smartphone adapter here that can do that.
I stuff the Tube into the included carry bag to ensure the lenses don’t scratch while carrying the scope in my backpack pocket. When I’m home I clean the outer lenses with the lens cloth that comes with the Zero Tube.
What Is a Monocular?
A monocular is like a small, hand-held telescope that you peer through using one eye, bringing faraway objects closer using internal lenses. The Zero Tube is Nocs Provisions’ smallest monocular, weighing 7.2 ounces and is 4.3 inches long and 1.73 inches wide. The Zoom Tube and Field Tube are two other monoculars made by Nocs Provisions. The Zero Tube has a magnification of 10, meaning it magnifies objects to appear 10 times closer than using just the naked eye. Twenty-five is the diameter in millimeters of the front, or objective, lens. The smaller size of the objective lens makes the Zero Tube compact and easier to carry but it also means the Zero Tube lets in less light than a larger lens. Because of its lens size the Zero Tubes focus is sharpest in bright daylight.
Nocs uses BaK4 (Barium Crown) prisms, which are efficient in capturing light. The dielectric and phase lens coatings increase light transmission and clarity, especially in low light.
Built for the Outdoors
The Zero Tube is at home on the trail. The outer shell is rugged, with raised ridges that ensure a solid grip. It’s waterproof, with an IPX7 rating, which means that it can withstand being submerged in three feet of water for 30 minutes. Nitrogen-filled chambers ward off internal fogging during fluctuating temperatures. And the Zero Tube has a lifetime warranty.
Good to Know
Warranty: The Zero Tube has a No-Matter-What™ lifetime warranty. Warranty and shipping information here.
In the Box: Woven wrist strap, microfiber pouch and lens-cleaning cloth.
Colors: Bone, off-piste, ultramarine, Audubon piping plover
Tripod Compatible: No. The Zero Tube is hand-held only.
Product Manual: Nocs has an essential user manual here.
Other Nocs Monoculars: The Zoom and Field tubes here.
Zero Tube Pros
Lightweight: At 7.2 ounces the Zero Tube rides lightly in my pack or pocket.
Rugged: The ridged exterior feels solid and provides a firm grip.
Carry Clip: Attaches to a belt, pack strap or coat pocket, keeping it within easy reach.
Carrying Pouch: Protects the Zero Tube while stowed in a pack or pocket.
Zero Tube Cons
No Lens Caps: The lenses are exposed, making it essential to pack in the provided microfiber pouch.
Low Light: Images lose some clarity in low light because of the small lenses.
Overall Value
The Zero Tube isn’t essential backcountry gear, but it sure is fun. And its low weight and small size make it easy to throw in a pack where it’s easy to reach. The $179.95 price is high for a monocular with 10 by 25 magnification, but if you’re someone who values lightweight gear, wants to scout the trail ahead or view wildlife at a distance, the Zero Tube can be a good choice.
Similar Monoculars
Vortex Optics Solo
MSRP: $109.99
Magnification: 10 x 25
Opticron Explorer
MSRP: $219
Magnification: 8 x 42
Celestron UpClose
MSRP: $22.95
Magnification: 10 x 25
This product was donated for purpose of review.