I wanted to try Nocs Provision binoculars since my bikepacking trip in Wales last year. One of my fellow bikers had one of the brand’s monoculars in their bag, and I loved the shape and optical clarity of it. So when I was offered to review the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10x32, needless to say, I was over the moon and very excited to test them.
Nestled between the top-of-the-line Pro Issue and the more affordable Standard Issue models, Nocs’ Field Issue range is the best binoculars for those who like to get their money’s worth but prefer something a bit more advanced functionally and decent optical performance.
Also ideal as birdwatching binoculars, the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10x32 is a superb product aimed at a younger audience who not only appreciate the binoculars' groovy looks—I realise this makes me sound very old—but also like the fact that the Field Issue was designed to accommodate smartphone photography and videography.
Should you get one? Let’s find out.
Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10x32 review
Price and availability
The Nocs Provisions Field Issue binoculars are available to buy now directly from Nocs Provisions for a recommended retail price of $175 (approx. £138/ AU$267). Nocs offers free shipping in the US and international shipping for a fee. You are responsible for paying the local duties and taxes for their goods when shipped internationally.
The Field Issue binoculars come in two versions, 8x32 and 10x32, the former offering 8x and the latter 10x magnification. There are three colours each, six altogether. I opted for the PAYDIRT (BROWN) colour, which is more of an orange than brown.
Nocs Provisions also very kindly provided me with a Woven Tapestry Strap for the review, which is an upgrade from the standard version that comes in the box.
Specifications
- Weight: 16.7 oz/ 473g
- Dimensions: 124mm x 112mm/ 4.9" x 4.4"
- Waterproof: IPx7, fully waterproof and fogproof
- Magnification: 10x (also available in 8x)
- Objective lens diameter: 32mm
- Field of view angle: 6 degrees
- Field of view: 315ft @ 1,000yd (130m)
- Closest focusing distance: 2.8m / 9.3ft
- Eye relief: 16.8mm
- Nitrogen filled: yes
Design and construction
The Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10x32 are compact binoculars with a 32 objective lens diameter and 10x magnification. They are comparatively lightweight at 473 grams and represent a good balance between seeing objects in the zoom capabilities and portability.
One of the most striking features of the Field Issue scope is the rugged housing with its patented Rugged Wave Grip. It not only looks cool but it makes the optical instrument easier to hold and makes it more durable. Indeed, the Field Issue 10x32 binoculars are IPx7 rated, meaning they are fully waterproof and fogproof.
The binoculars have nothing to fear in the optical department, either. The HiFi Fully Multi-Coated optics and Swiss-designed Bak4 prism provide excellent visual clarity in decent lighting conditions without the bulk. Better still, the oversized focus wheel makes it easy to adjust the picture on the fly.
One of my favourite features is the multi-stop twist-up eyecups. These make finding the correct eye relief distance a breeze. Plus, they are useful for shooting those Instagram-worthy photos and videos!
Performance
I loved using the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10x32 during the testing period. Not only do they look swanky, but their optical performance is also on point. I opted for the 10x magnification because I wanted the binoculars to make spotting birds in the distance easier, and they were perfect for the job.
Optical performance is excellent—I was slightly taken aback by how sharp objects looked in the distance! The contours are on point; however, I could notice some colour fringing in high-contrast areas in broad daylight. It's not a deal-breaker issue at this price point, and between you and me, not many people who choose the bins will notice this anyway.
The size of the Field Issue makes it perfect for longer excursions, especially with the comfy woven strap. You can hardly feel the weight even after longer periods of wear. One thing I noticed is that the strap is a bit on the long side, even for someone like me (I’m 6’0”). Thankfully, you can adjust it a bit to make it a bit shorter.
Verdict
Of all the things I love about the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 10x32 binoculars, what I like the most is that they make the concept of long-range observation fun and accessible. Optical instruments from Nikon, Celestron and Swarowski are excellent, but they are also overkill for most beginners.
Nocs’ products, on the other hand, are colourful scopes that do the job just fine (better than fine, actually) while also enticing people who might otherwise not be interested in birdwatching or whathaveyou if they had to spend twice as much on a black pair of binoculars.
Of course, not all spyglasses have to be quirky and eye-catching, but it’s nice to see that some of them are. And it’s even better to see that Nocs’ binoculars aren’t just pleasant to look at but also nice to see with if you catch my drift. I look forward to using them more in the future, that’s for sure.
Also consider
Celestron’s Nature DX 8x42 has a larger lens diameter, which means it gathers more light, which makes it better for low-light observations than the Field Issue 10x32. Packed with bright, detailed, and colourful images, these binoculars outshine the rest with their speedy focus and sleek design. Plus, they come in a surprisingly compact and lightweight package. Read Jamie’s full Celestron Nature DX 8x42 review.
For a different rugged binoculars experience, try the Nikon Action EX 12x50. With their 12x magnification, they add an extra oomph to your safari experience. While they deliver crisp, contrasty, and colourful images, be warned: these binoculars are as heavy as a backpack full of snacks, so arm day at the gym might come in handy. Read our full Nikon Action EX 12x50 review, also by Jamie.
