Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof Review

Performance Comparison

Clarity

You won't get the exceptional clarity, as you might from a multi-thousand-dollar pair of binos, with the Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof, but it will get you by. At this tier of binoculars, there is an understandable level of color fringing at the edges of what's visible, and significant distortion at the outermost edge. The viewing experience is a good way off of the most premium models we tested, but it also underperformed the more modest models in our round-up as well, earning it a below-average score for clarity.

Brightness

The observed brightness and the measured brightness of the Nocs Provisions left a little to be desired compared to its peers, and it earned a lower score than those other models for the brightness metric, based on that performance. The small 3.1mm exit pupil, though bigger than the exit pupil on other models, let in less light than those other models. Viewing in the early morning light was not as easy as models with larger lenses that allowed greater light transmission. The smaller lens, by the nature of its design, also couldn't compete with larger 45mm lenses in evening, low-light situations.

Comfort

The comfort factor of a good pair of binoculars is only complementary to its brightness and crystal clear clarity, and not a major factor affecting function in and of itself. The Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof is a fairly average model when it comes to comfort, and that average comfort does not compliment a great performance in either clarity or brightness.

The entire binocular is textured, making it nice and even ergonomic to grip, and the eye cups are very comfortable. However, that is the extent of accolades our test team could give it. The included strap is shoestring-like and uncomfortable. More attuned to its cheap price tag than a quality optic.

Field of View

The Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof has a fairly average field of view compared to the entire test group and earned a commensurate average score. The 320-foot field of view that our team measured earned this model a score that happened to be the statistical mode — or in layman's terms, the most repeated score we saw from all the models our team tested.

Ease of Adjustment

Continuing a trend, the Nocs earned a below-average score in our ease of adjustment metric, when compared to the other products we tested. The focusing knob offers resistance, while it also offers more extreme focal-length changes with slighter movements. That could be good or bad depending on a user's preference. This model, like so many average models, does not have a locking diopter. While the eye relief does lock, it is rather short, which could make them difficult to use for some.

Though the Nocs Provisions offered below-average performance for ease of adjustment, context matters. We put them up against some really exceptional, multi-thousand-dollar models, which created a really difficult field of competition for a more modest model like this one. So while they are below the average, they are still completely usable and a viable option for many.

Close Focus Range

The Nocs Provisions finished our tests leaving us desiring a little more in our last test metric, close focus range. We could not get the Nocs to focus on objects less than 17.2 feet, which is not as good as the manufacturer's stated specifications and common in our testing. However, it was also the longest close focus range we recorded, perhaps due to the small lens and 8x magnification, but it probably isn't the best choice if you are visiting a butterfly house.

Should You Buy the Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof?

We'd be remiss to recommend the Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof to our readers, because of the large number of better-performing binoculars on the market. Its price may be one of the lowest you can find, but that does not make it a great value.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?