Nocs Provisions Pro Issue 42mm Binoculars

A very good basic pair of binoculars for the general user. Excellent build quality and sturdiness, decent optics, and a well thought out design. A bit on the heavy side compared to similar models, and the ridged grip is something you either like or don't.

The NOCS Pro 8x42 binoculars are a good fit as optics for folks who like to do some birdwatching and other general usage. They compare favorably to my current go to general use binoculars (Nikon Pro 8x42) for both fun and work. While I still prefer my Nikon as they are a bit lighter, I carry the NOCS for work due to their sturdiness, and my wife prefers them over the Nikon for their grip (see below).

Description

The NOCS come in three ranges (standard, field, and pro versions), a variety of colors, and two magnifications in the pro series I tested (8x42 and 10x42).  My particular pair is an alpine green 8x42. The binoculars come with a nice hard case with strap, soft case, standard neck strap, lens cleaning cloth, and lens/eyecup covers that are removable.

The binocs have a phase coated prism, are waterproof and fogproof (IPX7), and have what I consider a rather unique ridged outer layer for grip and protection.  While the ridged casing is a rubber/plastic overlay it is formed well to the binoc structure.  It has very little "give" so feels like a harder plastic.

NOCS Provisions provides a "No-Matter-What" lifetime warranty on their products.

View/Magnification

The field of view is quite wide (429 ft at 1,000 yards) and seems bright with no noticeable distortion.  Even in softer light of dawn and dusk I had no issues with visibility.  The multilayer phase-correction coatings on a Swiss-designed prism (NOCS wording) seem to work well.

Watching deer at dusk feeding around a salt marsh, I had no issues picking them up and finding them again later with the wide field of view. 

Close focus, which I rarely use, is less than 6 feet.  I did test closer (3+ meter) focus screening bridge cracks and joints for bats for work, and they were very clear.

NOCS states that the binocular housing "simply disappears from sight while in use".  I can't say that is the case, but the peripheral view was fine for me.I used these a lot at dawn and dusk with sun angles very low, and the anti-reflective coatings seemed to work well.

Durability

The NOCS seem very well built.  While slightly heavier than my other go-to pair, I definitely felt comfortable carrying these in the field for work.  I did so regularly without the case and didn't have concerns.

The outer casing provides not only grip, but additional protection.  The manufacturer claims they are drop tested with scratch resistant lenses.  I believe them, based on the sturdiness, but forgive me for not testing this myself!

As mentioned earlier, the binoculars are waterproof to IPX7 standards. They are submersible to three feet and nitrogen sealed to prevent condensation inside.

Comfort/Use

The ridged cover is very easy to grip and comfortable, at least initially.  I prefer a smooth surface for longer use, such as bird field surveys for work, but I can't get the NOCS out of my wife's hands for our backyard and beach birdwatching.  I think the grip is a bit like Marmite - you either like it or you don't.  As mentioned earlier, while it is an outer cover, there is little "give" and it feels more like a hard plastic than rubberized cover.

The focus knob was easy to work and stayed where I needed it.  The diopter did the same (once I set it for my eyes I forgot about it).  The hinge was easy to use and switch between my wife and I, and stayed in place when bouncing around in the field.

The neck strap is pretty standard.  Comfortable enough for relatively short uses but I wouldn't want to use it all day.  Certainly worth considering an upgrade.

The lens caps are better than my Nikons, as they fall off less.  They still can fall off if treated a bit roughly, but that is a risk on all caps. 

The eyecup caps permanently attach (on one side) to the neck strap, so stay in place.

Photography

NOCS specifically advertise these binocs as being smart phone friendly. 

 I tested this as best I could, considering I am not much of a photographer with my phone (an aging Galaxy S10e), and have never tried to take a photo through a pair of binoculars.  Here are my test shots with the NOCS vs Nikon (both 8x 42mm) at a fall beach vacation across a large salt marsh.

I think the NOCS did a fine job, but am not sure they were better than the Nikons.  Any differences, especially edge clarity/cloudiness is directly due to my inability to line things up well.  I would have to take about 10 photos with each pair to get a real back and forth comparison of any worth. 

I doubt I'll take photos through any pair again as I don't think it's worth the fuss (I just spend longer watching the view and have the memories!).  If you are into photos through binoculars, I suggest also looking at the NOCS photo rig smartphone adapter which would standardize your shots.

Recommendations

Overall, I would highly recommend the NOCS Pro Series for birdwatching and other recreation.  They are a reasonable price point compared to similar models, very sturdy, and easy to use.  I'd be happy to carry these all day on a hike or for work.  However, the ridged grip is a personal choice that may or may not suit you.

Background

I am not an expert but do birdwatch a good bit, and use binoculars for pleasure and at work, including endangered bird surveys. I have been using binoculars for over 40 years from my grandads old Zeniths, multiple compact pairs for hiking/backpacking to my current 8x42 Nikon Prostaff for work and pleasure.