This Pocket-Size Monocular Earned a Permanent Spot in My Birding Kit: A Nocs Monocular Review

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Rating: 5/5

As an avid birder and photographer, I’ve collected my share of optics over the years—binoculars, a spotting scope, and multiple bird cameras are all part of my daily birdwatching gear. But the Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 10×25 Waterproof Monocular immediately stood out from the moment I slipped it into my pocket. At just 7.2 ounces and barely larger than a deck of cards, it gives me powerful 10x magnification without weighing down my bag. After weeks of testing it on hikes, in my backyard, and during quick wildlife sightings from the porch, this little monocular has officially become a permanent part of my bird-watching arsenal.

What impressed me most was the clarity. The ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses deliver a crisp, bright image that rivals some of my bulkier optics. Even at dusk, the high contrast helps me quickly identify birds. The rugged, no-slip textured housing also makes it easy to hold steady, and the IPX7 waterproof rating means I don’t have to baby it when the weather turns.

Because it’s so lightweight and portable, the Zero Tube has become the optic my whole family reaches for. My teenage sons grab it whenever they spot a hawk circling the field next door, and I love keeping it clipped to my backpack on hikes. It’s also perfect for travel—small enough to disappear in a jacket pocket yet powerful enough to scan a distant treeline or check out wildlife across a lake. The Zero Tube also pairs beautifully with Nocs’ Photo Rig smartphone adapter, which essentially turns your phone into a telephoto camera lens—something I will definitely be adding to my holiday wish list!

Overall, this monocular fills a gap between my binoculars and my spotting scope: it’s strong enough for serious birding and wildlife viewing, yet tiny enough to carry all day without thinking about it. For the magnification power, it’s also surprisingly affordable. If you enjoy watching wildlife, whether on hikes, from your backyard, or on family adventures, the Nocs Zero Tube is a thoughtful, practical gift and an everyday tool you’ll actually use. 

Where to Buy the Nocs Provisions Zero Tube Monocular

 

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