The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube Waterproof Monocular is the smallest, lightest, and most durable monocular you’ve ever seen. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, though you might ask yourself, do you really need to add a waterproof monocular to your everyday carry? The short answer is no, but the long, much more interesting answer is: if I want to be prepared for anything that might need a scope, then yes, why not? I carry items not because I know I will need them every day, but because when I do need them, I’m ready.
DESIGN
The Zero Tube is built like a tank! The rubberized housing gives it a great grip and protects it from the inevitable tumbles that come with using it outdoors. The IPX7 waterproof rating means you don’t have to worry about a sudden downpour, a spilled cup, or even a rogue splash from a puddle. It can even be submerged up to 1m deep for 30 minutes. There’s also a carry clip so you can attach the Zero Tube to your belt, bag, or something else for quick access.
Other notable features include the twist-up eye cup, so you can adjust for the perfect viewing position, as well as the smooth focus wheel. The lenses are extra-low dispersion glass elements that are multi-coated for anti-reflection and anti-scratch.
THE PROS
- Portability: Seriously, this thing is tiny and light!
- Durability: Built to survive real life. This isn’t a fragile piece of camera equipment; it’s a rugged piece of kit. You can throw into your bag and not worry about it getting all banged up.
- The “Woah” Factor: There’s an undeniable cool factor in pulling out a monocular to get a closer look at something. It’s like equipping a new accessory in your inventory, and it never fails to get a reaction.
- Easy Operation: There are only two moving parts on it, which make the Zero Tube very simple to use.
THE CONS
There’s really only one con, and it’s that the Zero Tube is more of a want and not really a need. You can probably live without it. It’s a luxury item in the gadget world, and it isn’t exactly cheap. However, I think if you enjoy the outdoors and like adventuring, you’re probably going to want one of these.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube is the perfect accessory for adventurers and nature enthusiasts who want to add a little bit of fun and functionality to their everyday gear. It’s built tough, it’s easy to use, and it makes you feel like a little bit like a pirate searching for treasure. While it’s not an essential piece of gear, it’s a high-level gadget that’s well worth the investment if you can swing it.
For those of us who appreciate good gear, this thing just hits a satisfying sweet spot. It’s the kind of thing you never knew you needed, but once you have it, you’ll find a dozen reasons to pull it out.
