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Today we’re taking a look at something a little different from our usual EDC gear: the Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 8×25 Waterproof Monocular.

Nocs Provisions sent this monocular into the channel for us to check out, and I want to thank them for doing so.

This is a follow-up to last year’s larger 10x version, but this time we’re looking at a more compact 8×25 model with a significantly wider field of view.

For those of us who enjoy hiking, exploring, and spending time outdoors, a compact monocular like this offers an interesting alternative to carrying traditional binoculars.

Let’s take a closer look.

Watch the Nocs Zero Tube 8×25 Video Review

Make sure you watch through to the end of the video for some outdoor footage showing the difference between my camera’s normal view and the view through the Zero Tube.

What Is the Nocs Zero Tube 8×25?

The Nocs Zero Tube is a compact, waterproof monocular designed for people who want optical magnification without carrying around a full-size pair of binoculars.

The previous Zero Tube featured 10x magnification. This newer version uses 8x magnification with a 25mm objective lens.

While that means a little less magnification than its predecessor, the 8×25 offers a wider field of view, something that can be particularly useful when trying to locate or follow objects outdoors.

Whether you’re watching wildlife, exploring a trail, or checking out something in the distance, having a compact optic available can be pretty handy.

Nocs Zero Tube 8×25 Specifications

Specification	Details
Magnification	8x
Objective Lens	25mm / 0.98 in
Length	4.33 in / 110mm
Width	1.57 in / 40mm
Weight	7.2 oz / 205g
Field of View	420 ft at 1,000 yd
Metric Field of View	140m at 1,000m
Angular Field of View	8 degrees
Close Focus	4.9 ft / 1.5m
Optics	ED glass, fully multi-coated
Weather Protection	Waterproof and nitrogen sealed
Warranty	No Matter What lifetime warranty

One of the most appealing things about these specifications is just how compact the Zero Tube is.

At only 4.33 inches long, it doesn’t take up much space, making it an interesting addition to a hiking backpack, outdoor kit, or everyday carry setup.

What’s Included in the Box?

Nocs includes several useful accessories with the Zero Tube.

• Nocs Zero Tube 8×25 monocular
• Carrying bag
• Lanyard
• Cleaning cloth
• Getting-started information
• Warranty registration information

The included documentation explains how to use the twist-up eyecup and focus the optic.

There are also a few fun touches in the packaging, including a little illustrated animal with a backpack and the reminder: Don’t be a creeper.

Fair enough, Nocs. Fair enough.

Rugged Construction and Waterproof Design

One of the first things I noticed about the Zero Tube was the exterior.

It has a rugged rubberized housing designed to absorb impacts and provide a secure grip.

The textured exterior feels comfortable in hand and offers plenty of traction.

It also has an integrated pocket clip, which is a nice feature for anyone interested in using this as part of an EDC or outdoor setup.

Rather than having to dig through a backpack every time you need it, the clip gives you another way to keep the monocular accessible.

The Zero Tube is also waterproof and nitrogen sealed to help prevent internal condensation and fogging.

That is particularly useful for outdoor equipment that may be exposed to moisture or changing weather conditions.

ED Glass and Multi-Coated Optics

The Zero Tube features extra-low dispersion glass, also known as ED glass.

Nocs describes this optical system as improving image resolution, contrast, and clarity.

It also uses fully multi-coated optics with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant lens coatings.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not an optics expert.

But I can tell you what I noticed while looking through it.

The image is clear, bright, and genuinely impressive for such a small monocular.

That’s what matters most to me when evaluating something I’m going to carry outdoors.

8x Magnification and Wide Field of View

The Zero Tube provides 8x magnification with a field of view of 420 feet at 1,000 yards.

In metric terms, that’s approximately 140 meters at 1,000 meters.

The angular field of view is listed at 8 degrees.

This wider view is one of the notable differences between the 8×25 model and last year’s 10x version.

For general outdoor use, I can see why someone might prefer a little less magnification in exchange for being able to see more of the surrounding scene.

Twist-Up Eyecup and Focusing

The Zero Tube has a twist-up eyecup along with an adjustable focus mechanism.

The listed close focus distance is 4.9 feet, or 1.5 meters.

That gives the monocular some flexibility for viewing objects at different distances.

The controls are straightforward, and the compact design keeps everything easy to handle.

Taking Photos Through the Zero Tube

Nocs also includes information about taking photographs through the monocular.

This is where things got a little interesting during my testing.

I initially tried using my iPhone, but the phone kept switching between its different camera lenses whenever I tried lining it up with the monocular.

That made getting a usable image rather frustrating.

However, I tried using an Android phone and was able to get it working without the same problem.

Your experience may vary depending on the camera system on your phone.

And while the footage isn’t perfect, I included some outdoor examples in the video so you can get a better idea of what the Zero Tube can do.

Where Would I Carry a Pocket Monocular?

I can see several potential uses for something like the Nocs Zero Tube:

• Hiking and trail exploration
• Wildlife and bird watching
• Camping and outdoor recreation
• Travel and sightseeing
• Everyday carry bags
• Compact outdoor and preparedness kits

The biggest advantage is the size.

Traditional binoculars can be great, but they also take up more room.

A monocular like this is something you could carry in a small bag without dedicating much space to it.

No Matter What Lifetime Warranty

Another feature worth mentioning is the warranty.

Nocs advertises a No Matter What lifetime warranty.

Warranty registration information is included in the packaging, along with a QR code for additional details.

It’s always encouraging to see a company offer long-term support for its outdoor products.

Where to Buy the Nocs Zero Tube 8×25

Interested in checking out the Nocs Provisions Zero Tube for yourself?

Amazon:
Nocs Zero Tube 8×25 on Amazon

Nocs Provisions Official Website:
Nocs Zero Tube 8×25 at Nocs Provisions

Final Thoughts

The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 8×25 is an interesting little piece of outdoor gear.

It’s compact, waterproof, fog-resistant, and features a rugged rubberized exterior, pocket clip, ED glass, and fully multi-coated optics.

And most importantly, the image quality impressed me.

While I can’t claim to be an expert on optical glass, I know when something looks good through the lens, and this monocular produces a bright, clear image.

For someone who enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, I think a compact monocular like this could be a useful addition to a pack.

Be sure to watch the full video for the outdoor footage showing what the Zero Tube can do.

Would you rather carry a small monocular or traditional binoculars? Let me know in the comments.

Outro Music

The music at the end of this video was created by me using Suno AI. Use the following link to listen in its entirety.

Listen to the full track on Suno

Affiliate Disclosure

Nocs Provisions provided the Zero Tube 8×25 monocular for this review. Some links in this article may be affiliate links. Purchases made through those links may earn the channel a commission at no additional cost to you.

As always, thank you for stopping by Surviving the Daily. I hope you’re having an amazing day, and I’ll see you next time!