We see a lot of things when we go running. One of my favorite things about running is visually taking in a new vista or trail, or even just a road running route, and getting the chance to explore something new. Perhaps this segue into a review of binoculars is pushing things a little bit, but a good pair of binoculars can definitely help you see the outdoors around you in a new way.
There have definitely been times when I’ve been on a trail run, reached the pinnacle, and honestly wished I had just a little bit more visual aptitude with me. My eyes are fine, but they’re not great, and sometimes I wish I could just see a view from farther away a little better. I mean, who wouldn’t want to run the Larrison Rock Trail in Oakridge, get to the peak, and be able to take in all the glory of the Cascades in the distance with a good pair of binoculars?
Thus, we are trying a couple of options from NOCS Provisions, a solid choice in the binoculars space that also has a more transportable monocular option. We received the Standard Issue 8×25 binoculars and the Zoom Tube 8×32 monocular.
Binoculars
Before going into this review, I didn’t really understand how many specifications there are when it comes to binoculars. I mean, it’s relatively obvious what binoculars ultimately do, but man, there is a ton of technology that makes something so simple seemingly acknowledge that there’s actually a lot more going on than you see on the surface.
I’m not going to pretend that I know all of the depths of binocular technology or that mentioning a bunch of specs suddenly makes me an expert in refraction technology, so I encourage you to read more about that if you’re interested. NOCS has a variety of options with different levels of magnification and visibility, so utilizing the technology yourself to determine what fits your needs is probably the best approach.
We received the Standard Issue 8×25, and I can tell you there’s not much standard about this from someone who is a binocular novice.
The visuals were completely top-notch and really attuned to whatever basic need I had. If you’re going to be out there needing super-strong magnification — perhaps for an intense running-and-birdwatching combo — you may want to upgrade. But for what I was doing, I felt totally blown away by what is considered the standard option.
I also like that they feel a little more accessible and casual in nature, even with all the technology included. They definitely seem more geared for the outdoors than a lot of what my memory of binoculars has been.
They’re lightweight, too. As a kid, the pair we had at our house was so heavy and terrifyingly fragile that I felt like looking at them wrong might break them. Having a pair that feels durable enough to actually take outside and is lightweight enough to carry around in a pack was new to me — and quite great.
They also come in a variety of fun and unique colorways, while the ridges in the design give them a topographical feel and make them easy to hold, even if that’s not actually the reason for the design.
Monoculars
The Zoom Tube 8×32 takes the same basic concept and puts it into a monocular format. Instead of looking through two lenses, you’re using a single eyepiece, which makes the whole thing much more compact.
If you’re planning on actually utilizing one for a run, this is probably the way to go. It’s roughly half the size and weight of a traditional pair of binoculars (duh), making it much easier to transport in a hip belt or hydration pack without really thinking about it.
You obviously lose the two-eye viewing experience of binoculars, but for a quick look at something in the distance, it gets the job done without adding much to your running setup.
The portability is really the appeal. I can see tossing the Zoom Tube into a running pack before a trail adventure without having to give much thought to the extra gear. Then, when you reach a viewpoint, you have an easy way to take a closer look at whatever caught your attention.
Conclusion
This is sort of one of those things that is not only fun to have around for casual use, but also a fun addition to a running pack that I didn’t really realize I was missing until I took it to the top of Council Crest and had to look around. I’ve also never looked at the moon so many times in the last few weeks.
Maybe binoculars aren’t an essential piece of running gear. But if you spend a lot of time outside, especially on trails and at viewpoints, they’re a pretty fun way to make those moments at the top of the hill last a little longer.
And sometimes seeing what’s out there is just as much a part of the run as getting there.
