Introduction On a recent trip to teach nature journaling, bird carving and birding, I was introduced to Nocs Provisions binoculars. My Zeiss binoculars are wonderful, but have been misplaced and I was looking for a back-up binocular that I really liked. When I returned home, I was excited to purchase and test a Nocs binoculars. I chose the midrange Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10 x 32 Binoculars. They’ve recently been named the best all around binocular for birders in 2024 by National Geographic. I took them to the field this morning to put them through their paces.
First Impressions The binoculars arrived in a beautiful and well designed biodegradable box with ample protection. The compact design and robust build quality were immediately noticeable. The ribbed coating and small size provided a secure grip, and the binoculars felt well-balanced in my hands.
Performance in the Field Optical Quality: The clarity and brightness of the optics were impressive. Colors appeared vibrant and true to life, and the sharpness was maintained across the entire field of view. Magnification and Field of View: With 10x magnification and a wide field of view, spotting and tracking birds was a breeze. The expansive view made it easier to locate birds in dense foliage. I was even able to clearly observe insects and spiders on foliage from 10-20 meters.
Focus Mechanism: The central focusing wheel is very large and easy to access. It was smooth and precise, allowing quick adjustments. The diopter adjustment was easy to use ad ensured sharp focus tailored to my vision. Low-Light
Performance: During early morning outing, the binoculars performed admirably. The enhanced light transmission provided clear views even in low-light conditions. Comfort: I love the compact size! I dislike binoculars hanging around my neck and like to hold them in my hand. I had no difficulty steadying these and using them with one hand - an important consideration in this day of Merlin and eBird. Their lightweight design and ergonomic shape prevented fatigue during long birdwatching sessions.
Additional Features Durability: The binoculars are both waterproof and fog-proof, essential for unpredictable weather. The rugged construction gave me confidence in their durability. Accessories: The included neck strap and bag leave a bit to be desired. They’ll do the job, but ad a leather-smith, I’ve plans for better and more personalized options. I love the eyepiece covers, especially the plugs that secure protect the objective lenses. Adjustability: The eye relief was sufficient for use with glasses, and the interpupillary distance was easy to adjust for a perfect fit.
Comparison with Other Models Compared to my previous Zeiss binoculars (model forgotten and not available for immediate comparison) these hold their own. The Zeiss pair are brighter in early light, but the Noc’s lens covers, small size, light weight and rubberized body are all superior too my Zeiss binoculars.
Value for Money Priced at $175, the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10 x 32 binoculars offer incredible value. The high-quality optics and thoughtful design make them a worthy investment for any serious birder. I purchased these as back up keep-in-the-car binoculars (Did I mention they fit in the center console?), but I suspect my Zeiss will stay at home to watch the bird feeder.
Conclusion Overall, the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10 x 32 binoculars exceeded my expectations. Their superior optical quality, comfort, and durability make them an excellent choice for birdwatching. I highly recommend them to fellow birders seeking reliable and high-performing binoculars.
