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Nocs Provisions has expanded its Zero Tube lineup with the new 8×25 monocular. The basic idea remains the same as the other Zero Tube models. Make a small, lightweight optic that is easy to carry and durable enough for outdoor use.
I previously tested the 10×25 version of the Zero Tube. You can read my full Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 10×25 review here. After spending time with both models, the biggest difference isn’t simply the change from 10x to 8x magnification. The wider field of view changes how the monocular feels and works in the field.
The Zero Tube 8×25 has 8x magnification, a 25 mm objective lens, a 420-foot field of view at 1,000 yards, a 4.9-foot close focus, and weighs 7.2 ounces. It also has a waterproof, nitrogen-filled housing and a built-in carry clip.
After using it for a month, the 8×25 comes across as a compact general-purpose monocular rather than an optic designed specifically for long-distance viewing. The wider field of view and lower magnification make it easier to scan an area and keep an object in view, while the small 25 mm objective keeps the overall package compact.
Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 8×25 Monocular Size and Design
The size is one of the main reasons to consider the Zero Tube 8×25.
At only 7.2 ounces, it doesn’t take up much room in a backpack, running vest, or jacket pocket. The rubberized housing gives it a secure grip and adds some protection when carrying it outdoors.
Nocs also includes a built-in clip, which makes the monocular easy to attach to a pack or other piece of gear. I found this useful because a compact optic only has value when it is available when you need it. If it is buried at the bottom of a backpack, it becomes much less useful.
The Zero Tube has a simple design with very few external controls. The focus system uses a twist-to-focus design rather than a traditional focus wheel. It takes a little getting used to if you’re accustomed to binoculars, but it becomes straightforward after some use.
Optical Performance of the Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 8×25 Monocular
The 8×25 uses fully broadband multi-coated lenses and BaK4 roof prisms with phase coatings. Nocs also uses ED glass in the Zero Tube 8×25 to reduce light scattering and improve color accuracy, resolution, and contrast.
In good daylight, the image is sharp enough to pick out useful details at a distance without making the monocular feel overly difficult to use.
The 8x magnification is particularly noticeable when compared with the 10×25.
The 10x model provides more magnification, which can help when looking at something farther away. The tradeoff is that the narrower field of view makes it more difficult to find an object quickly, and hand movement becomes more noticeable.
The 8×25 has a 420-foot field of view at 1,000 yards. That is considerably wider than the 341-foot field of view of the 10×25.
That difference is useful when scanning an area. Whether looking through trees, across a shoreline, or trying to locate something moving, the wider view makes it easier to find the subject.
The lower magnification also makes the image easier to hold steady. That doesn’t matter as much when sitting or bracing the monocular against something, but it becomes more noticeable when standing or moving around outdoors.
Focus and Eyecup
The Zero Tube has a close focus distance of about 4.9 feet, which gives it some flexibility for viewing objects at relatively short distances as well as farther away.
The twist-up eyecup provides several positions and works well for getting the monocular positioned comfortably. The 16.3 mm of eye relief also provides enough room to use the monocular without having to press your eye directly against the housing.
Field Use
The biggest difference between the 8×25 and 10×25 became apparent during general outdoor use.
The 8×25 works particularly well when scanning and quickly checking something in the distance. The wider field of view gives me more area to work with, and the lower magnification makes the image less sensitive to small movements.
While hiking, I could bring the monocular to my eye and quickly locate what I wanted to see without spending much time getting the subject centered.
That makes it useful for situations where I don’t have time to set up a tripod or carefully brace the optic.
The compact size also makes it practical for trail running and other activities where carrying extra equipment can become inconvenient. At 7.2 ounces, it is light enough that carrying it doesn’t require much thought.
Waterproofing and Durability
Nocs rates the Zero Tube 8×25 as IPX7 waterproof and nitrogen filled. The sealed construction is designed to keep water out and help prevent internal fogging when temperatures change.
That makes sense for an outdoor optic that may spend time in a backpack, around water, or exposed to rain.
The rubberized exterior also provides some protection from normal bumps and drops. It feels like an optic designed to be used outdoors rather than something that needs to be handled carefully.
The construction doesn’t make the Zero Tube indestructible, but it does give it the level of weather protection expected from a compact outdoor optic in this price range.
8×25 vs. 10×25
The choice between the two Zero Tube models really comes down to how you plan to use them.
The 10×25 provides more magnification. If identifying distant objects is the priority, the extra two power can be useful.
The 8×25 provides a wider field of view and is easier to hold steady. It also makes it easier to locate moving objects or scan a larger area.
Neither magnification is automatically better.
For general hiking, camping, travel, and outdoor viewing, the 8×25 provides a more relaxed viewing experience. For situations where distance matters more than field of view, the 10×25 has an advantage.
The difference is large enough that I would choose based on how the monocular will actually be used rather than simply assuming 10x is better because it has more magnification.
Low-Light Performance of the Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 8×25 Monocular
The biggest limitation of the Zero Tube 8×25 comes from its size.
The 25 mm objective lens keeps the monocular compact, but it also limits the amount of light it can gather compared with larger optics.
In good daylight, that isn’t much of an issue. As the sun goes down, however, larger optics begin to show an advantage.
This is not a problem unique to the Zero Tube. It is simply the tradeoff that comes with building a small 25 mm optic.
If most of your viewing happens during the day, the size advantage makes sense. If low-light wildlife viewing is a major priority, a larger monocular or binocular would be a better fit.
What Stands Out
The biggest strength of the Zero Tube 8×25 is its balance of size, weight, and usability.
It isn’t trying to replace a large spotting scope or full-size binoculars. Instead, it provides enough magnification to see distant objects while remaining small enough to carry almost anywhere.
The 8x magnification also makes sense for this type of optic. It provides enough reach without making the image excessively difficult to hold steady.
The wide field of view is another useful feature, particularly for scanning and locating objects.
Considerations
The $179.95 price puts the Zero Tube 8×25 above many basic compact monoculars. Whether the price makes sense depends largely on how much value you place on the compact design, waterproof construction, optics, and overall build quality.
The 25 mm objective also limits low-light performance, and the 8x magnification won’t provide quite as much distant detail as the 10×25.
Those are the tradeoffs that come with the compact design.
Price and Availability
The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 8×25 sells for $179.95 and is available in Alpine Green and Crater Blue. It includes the monocular, rope wrist loop, microfiber pouch, and lens cloth.
For someone who wants a compact monocular for daytime outdoor use, the Zero Tube 8×25 offers a good balance between portability and performance. The main decision comes down to whether the wider field of view and easier handling of the 8×25 are more useful than the additional magnification provided by the 10×25.
Final Thoughts on the Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 8×25 Monocular
The Nocs Provisions Zero Tube 8×25 is built around portability. It gives you useful magnification in a small, lightweight package that is easy to carry.
After using both the 8×25 and 10×25, I think the choice comes down to how you plan to use them. The 10×25 gives you more reach for distant details, while the 8×25 has a wider field of view and is easier to hold steady. For hiking, camping, trail running, travel, and general wildlife viewing, I found the 8×25 easier to use when scanning an area or following something moving.
The 25 mm objective keeps the Zero Tube compact, but it also limits low light performance compared with larger optics. For daytime use, though, the 7.2 ounce weight makes it easy to clip to a pack or carry in a pocket.
At $179.95, it isn’t the cheapest compact monocular, but you get a waterproof build, quality optics, and a design that is easy to take almost anywhere. The Zero Tube 8×25 comes in Alpine Green and Crater Blue and includes a rope wrist loop, microfiber pouch, and lens cloth.
Overall, the Zero Tube 8×25 is a good fit for someone who wants a compact monocular for daytime outdoor use without carrying a larger optic. You can find the complete specifications, colors, warranty information, and purchase details at nocsprovisions.com. The Zero Tube is also available from rei.com and amazon.com.
