We may earn revenue from products available on this page and may participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›
Rating: 5/5
As an avid birder and photographer, I’ve collected my share of optics over the years – binoculars, spotting scopes, and multiple bird cameras are part of my daily birdwatching gear. But the provisions of NOCS zero tube 10 × 25 waterproof Eqular immediately. It stood out from the moment I slipped it into my pocket. At just 7.2 ounces and barely bigger than a deck of cards, it makes my bag 10x stronger without the weight. After weeks of testing it, in my backyard, and during quick wildlife viewing from the porch, this little monocular has officially become a permanent part of my birdwatching arsenal.
A must have for birds
Image: Amazon
What impressed me the most was the clarity. ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses deliver a crisp, bright image that rivals some of my bulkier optics. Even at dusk, the contrast helps me identify birds quickly. The rugged, no-slip textured housing also makes it easy to hold steady, and the IPX7 waterproof rating means I don’t need it when the weather turns.
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Villa Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Villa Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Villa Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Villa
Because it’s so lightweight and portable, the Zero Tube has become the optic my whole family reaches for. My teenage son sees a hawk circling the field next door every time, and I love that he carries it around in his backpack. It’s also perfect for travel – small enough to disappear into a jacket pocket yet powerful enough to scan a distant trillion or check out the wildlife across a lake. The Zero Tube also pairs beautifully with NOCS’s PhotoRig smartphone adapter, which essentially turns your phone into a telephoto camera lens.
Overall, this compact fills a gap between my binoculars and my spotting scope: it’s sturdy enough for serious bird and wildlife watching, but small enough to carry around all day without thinking about it. For magnification power, it’s also surprisingly affordable. If you enjoy watching wildlife, whether from your backyard, or on family adventures, the NOCS Zero Tube is a thoughtful, practical gift and an everyday tool you’ll really use.
Where to Buy NOCS Provisions Zero Tube Monocular
A must have for birds
Image: Amazon
The best holiday gifts for 2025
