I often wish I had a pair of binoculars with me while hiking, stargazing or concert-going. Sometimes, it just doesn’t seem like enough to view the world through my own eyes, like when a cool bird swoops overhead or the band really starts to jam out on stage. Last spring I had fun watching a robin build a nest and tend to the fledglings, but it would have been nice to have a bird’s-eye view.
For all of the above, the Nocs Provisions Standard Issue binoculars are a must-have lightweight adventure companion—they’re compact, affordable and, most importantly, waterproof. I can bring them along to an outdoor concert no matter the forecast and even leave them outside so they’re at the ready and I won’t miss any of the action.
What are Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars?
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars are lightweight, compact binoculars that are fog-proof and waterproof.
The Standard Issue Binoculars are offered in two models based on how much magnification they offer. The 8 x 25 lens offers eight times magnification or a field of view of 357 feet, similar to a 400mm lens. Or for a closer look, the 10 x 25 has a narrower field of view, 315 feet, like a 500mm lens.
The rubber exterior is grip-friendly with ridged and rugged waterproof housing with a certified waterproof rating of IPX7—translated, that means they can be submerged under 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. So if you’re duck hunting or fly fishing and drop them in the water they’ll survive. A little morning dew or rain shower won’t ruin them, either. Like most binoculars, the body bends in the middle to adjust for smaller faces.
Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars Features
The sealed O-rings make the Nocs binoculars fog-proof as well as waterproof. Weighing in at a mere 11.85 ounces, these binoculars are light to pack and easy to hold, measuring less than five inches across.
Each of the six layers of glass have anti-reflective coating for crisp viewing. The eyecups are made of soft rubber for comfort and won’t scratch glasses or phone screens.
Nocs Provisions also makes a Photo Rig phone adapter to connect your smartphone and shoot distant footage or photos with 8x magnification.
These binoculars include an attachable fettuccine neck strap and a soft carrying case that doubles as a lens cleaner. They come in fun and festive colors and, of course, black. I chose sea foam green.
How We Tested the Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Waterproof Binoculars
I tested these binoculars like you might use them: by viewing various things in my environment. I chose the 8 x 25 Binoculars to be able to find objects faster with a wider field of view, which is easier for tracking motion. I don’t typically use bird feeders—it’s a squirrel thing for me—so my birds are generally flitting about, unless they’re taking a bath. If I had a stationary perch, I may have chosen the 10 x 25.
From the get-go, I loved the way these binoculars felt in my hands—easy to hold and lightweight yet sturdy. I tried the binoculars with and without glasses, but I preferred using them without my progressive lenses. I didn’t find the glasses-friendly rubber eyecup as described, and even still I found that sometimes the light created vignetting when viewing with bare eyes.
Dialing in the Nocs Provisions binoculars is simple with the instructions printed on the box. The central focus ring is easy to reach and operates smoothly. If you need more guidance, the brand offers how-to videos on the Nocs website.
I also compared the Nocs to a larger pair of 7 x 35 binoculars that have a 500-foot field of view. With each, I focused on a mid-distant object, as the Nocs pair requires subjects be at least 13 feet away to get a clear view. I found that the Nocs view wasn’t as clean, especially in low light. It’s not a deal breaker, because I love the size, weight and waterproofness of the Standard Issue binoculars. The bigger pair isn’t waterproof and is too heavy to take on the go. The Nocs come with a neck strap and they aren’t annoyingly heavy, but if you don’t want to wear them, they’re small enough to fit in a windbreaker pocket or simply carry around in your bag.
Additionally, I tested the Photo Rig Adapter but didn’t have much luck with my dual-lens iPhone. Just when I set up a shot, the phone slipped out of place. I tried taking photos without the rig, too. It was hard to hold the phone and binoculars steady. I got frustrated and had other things to do. However, I think with a little practice, it could be fun. Surprisingly, the shots I was able to capture were framed in a circle.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Great grip
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to use
- Fog-proof
- Variety of colors to choose from
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Lacks eye shades to cut glare
- Clarity isn’t as good as others, especially in low light
What Other Nocs Provisions Reviewers Had to Say
“I bought these binoculars for a cruise to Alaska,” writes Amazon customer Cynthia H. DeLapp. “I wanted a light weight but powerful enough to magnify animals and the glaciers. These binoculars fit the bill. Just what I needed. Very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend.”
“Rugged and Versatile Quality Binoculars” is how Johnny Rockster titled his 5-star review, writing: “These are a good quality pair of binoculars at a decent price point. They are small enough to be practical and strong enough to help bring things in for a closer view. These are not the most powerful binoculars out there so if you want to see things that are pretty far off up close in ultra detail you will want to go for a higher magnification pair of binoculars.”
“Just the right size for hiking and birdwatching!” says happy shopper Pamela Nash. “Easy and safely held as well, because of the high quality, ridged, rubber exterior, Great choice of cool colors!”
Product Comparison
Nocs Provisions makes three additional binoculars at higher prices with enhanced optics. The Pro Issue 8 x 42, the Field Issue 8 x 32 and the Zoom Tube 8 x 32 monocle, which can be adapted for microscopic shots with the Inspector Microscope 4x Multiplier Lens. All of the Nocs Provisions binoculars are built with the same waterproof construction and guaranteed for life.
Final Verdict
I like the compact and lightweight size and the no-slip grip on the Nocs Provisions Binoculars. You can hold them with two fingers with zero fatigue. Although the Standard Issue binoculars are lacking in perfect clarity and brightness, they earn high points for portability and rugged versatility. They’re not fancy, but neither is the price.
I’ve always had trouble closing my left eye when looking through a video camera eyepiece or shooting a bow, so I put the carrying bag over the left eye when I was dialing in the right eye. Weird I know—I’d probably be better off with a monocle or the Nocs Zoom Tube.
The biggest benefit is the waterproofness. When the concert goes on in spite of the rain or the kayak takes on water, I won’t be concerned. Standard Issue is an affordable pair of binoculars that will last forever and travel anywhere with ease. And not only are they aesthetically appealing, the choice of colors are irresistible.
Where to Buy Nocs Provisions Standard Issue Binoculars
For a close-up view with no worries, Nocs Waterproof Binoculars go anywhere you do at an affordable price.
You can find all of the Nocs Provisions Binoculars and accessories at Nocs Provisions. Select models are available at Amazon, REI, Nordstrom and Outdoor Voices.
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