Background
Before diving into my review of the Nocs Provisions binoculars, I want to share a very brief overview of ideal magnification choices for birders, especially as they relate to two popular birding environments. While there are plenty of options out there, these were the two options I considered before ultimately deciding on an 8×32 pair. The reason I landed on the 8×32 pair is because the majority of my birding takes place in wooded areas and I wanted a pair that was of a lighter weight.
Woodland birding
- Magnification: 8x is ideal since it offers enough magnification to see details while maintaining a wide enough field of view to track fast-moving birds as they flit among tree branches.
- Diameter: 32mm to 42mm (8×32 or 8×42) allows plenty of light in which is helpful to view birds in dim woodland lighting.
- Note: Birds in woodlands often appear closer than in open habitats. A close focus of 6 feet or less is ideal for observing birds in detail.
Shoreline birding
- Magnification: 10x is ideal since the extra zoom helps you spot and identify distant birds without needing a spotting score.
- Diameter: 42mm or larger (10×42 or 10×50) allows a bright image, especially helpful in early morning or overcast coastal conditions.
- Note: Higher magnification can exaggerate hand shake, so consider using a spotting scope with a tripod if you’re planning to bird for long periods.
Nocs Provisions Review
Once I made the decision to ditch my non-aestechic and bulky pair of 10×32 Bushnell binoculars I started researching which pair of waterproof binoculars would be suitable for my birding adventures when I stumbled across an extremely targeted social media ad from Nocs Provisions.
What first caught my eye about these binoculars was the vibrant pop of color. Most popular brands tend to stick with the usual black, green, or brown, so it was refreshing to see something more bold and fun. Beyond the aesthetic, I also appreciate that Nocs Provisions offers a range of price points and specifications, making their binoculars more accessible to a wider range of birders.
I was torn between the 32mm field issue and 42mm pro issue, but ultimately chose the 8×32 field issue since it was a lighter weight option weighing 16.7oz compared to the pro issue which weights 1.5lbs.
Next came the fun part which is choosing the color. I went with the blue speckled pair because it felt unique, and it truly was. As it turns out, this design is a limited edition REI-exclusive collaboration with the Bird Collective. How adorable is that? I was instantly sold on the hand painted design and cute strap.
Unboxing my nocs
The box the Nocs Provisions binoculars came in house all of the items perfectly with well written instructions on how to use the binoculars. The items included with the purchase are:
- Waterproof 8×32 field issue Nocs Provisions binoculars
- Strap designed by the Bird Collective
- Lens caps x 3
- Cloth draw string bag
First Impressions
My first impressions is that there was a lot of thought that went into creating these binoculars and I like the message they represent the new age of birding (which is a perfect fit for the modern birder) I think the collaboration was perfect and I fell in love with every detail, in including the feather image etched into the focus wheel.
These mid-size binoculars fit perfectly in my hands and don’t feel bulky hanging around my neck. The oversized focus wheel is a thoughtful touch. It turns smoothly and adds to the overall ease of use. The textured grip makes a big difference, giving the binoculars a rugged, durable feel. I don’t worry about damaging them if they get knocked against the side of my kayak or take a minor tumble. They feel built to handle real-world adventures with their customers in mind.
After testing the Nocs on a nature trail, in dense woods, from a kayak, and even inside a vehicle, I can confidently say they delivered sharp, clear images in a variety of lighting conditions. In every scenario, I was able to quickly locate and focus on the birds I spotted with ease.
That said, as much as I’ve enjoyed using my Nocs, I do wish the lens caps were attached to the binoculars. The box included three different cap options, but I found them a bit cumbersome to manage while out exploring. I prefer being able to quickly flip the protectors on and off the objective lenses. Especially when hiking or when the binoculars are resting in my lap during a kayak outing to keep them protected from scratches. Overall, these are a thoughtfully designed, capable, and affordable pair of binoculars that perform well in real-world conditions.
💬 Have you ever had gear that made you fall in love with birding all over again? Let’s nerd out in the comments:
Modern Birder Collective 
Leave a comment