Nocs Provisions Binocular Comparison: Standard Issue vs Field Issue

More bird-dodger than birdwatcher after years of dramatic swoopings (and home intrusions!), Jess saw the offer to review Nocs Provisions binoculars as a chance at avian redemption, and maybe even a new hobby.

 

I’ve never been particularly fond of birds. And with everything from finches to Tawny frogmouths routinely falling down my chimney and setting up shop in my living room to the too-many-to-count swooping incidents with magpies and crows, I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual. 

But as much as birds have inspired fear and annoyance over the years, I’ve always enjoyed watching them from the safety of my window, assuming they’re not already inside. All this is to say, when they’re not actively dive-bombing my head, I too point in awe at birds of prey circling high above, and pause appreciatively to admire frolicking electric blue Fairy wrens. 

Work in progress

So when I was offered the chance to compare two sets of beginner-friendly binoculars from Nocs Provisions – the Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars in Cobalt Blue and the Field Issue 10×32 Waterproof Binoculars in Paydirt Brown (8×32 Field Issue available here) – I jumped at it. It seemed like the perfect excuse to finally give birdwatching a proper go, and see if I could enjoy them outdoors without fear.

Birdwatching, as it turns out, is kind of like Pokémon Go for adults… if all the Pokémon were tiny, fast, and inexplicably far away. Over the past couple of months I’ve recruited friends to help me put both pairs of Nocs through their paces on hikes through Girraween National Park, determined afternoons in my East Gippsland backyard, and on a leisurely boat ride down the Noosa River. Here’s how they stacked up.

Testing squad, assemble!

Nocs Binoculars Compared

Nocs Waterproof Standard Issue 8×25 (Cobalt Blue)

• Weight: 336g
• Magnification: 8x
• Lens diameter: 25mm
• Field of View: 119m at 1000m (6.8º)
• RRP: $179.99
• Best for: Hiking, kayaking, casual scoping

Buy Now

Nocs Waterproof Field Issue 10×32 (Paydirt Brown)

• Weight: 473g
• Magnification power: 10x
• Lens diameter: 32mm
• Field of View: 106 m @ 1000m (6º)
• RRP: $329.99
• Best for: Stationary wildlife viewing, photography, nerd-level birding

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Performance

Vision

The Field Issue 10×32 binoculars delivered the best visual punch. I could see further, with more clarity and depth, and everything from distant treetops to wallaby butts looked crisp. I probably didn’t need to study a pelican’s eyebrows, but I took the opportunity when it came up. That said, if I wasn’t perfectly still, seated, braced, and channeling full zen energy, I struggled to keep the image steady. Every little movement was magnified along with the view.

The Standard Issue 8×25 was much easier to use on the go. I could keep it relatively steady while standing or tired, making it the better choice for hikes, kayaking trips, or adventures that require actual movement rather than setting up in one spot, waiting for a bird to fly into view. One note, the Standard Issue are quite physically small and one friend found them just too little to comfortably see out of, even at full extension (they fold to suit the size of your face). This Field Issue are a bit bigger and suited him fine. 

Usability With Glasses

Both models held up well in fog and humidity, and impressively, the lenses stayed clear even during early morning hikes when my breath was more visible than any birds. I was skeptical about using them with my glasses on, but with a little practice using the adjustable eye-cups, both models delivered a clear view without needing to take them off. 

Compatibility with glasses was very welcome!

Note that with glasses, the image appeared as a single circular viewfinder rather than two merging ovals. Magic? Science? I’m sure there’s a wonderfully concise explanation for this but all you really need to know is that it works.

Birdwatching

Out of the hundreds of birds I’ve probably seen recently, I managed to line up maybe ten in the Nocs. And most were slow movers: ducks, chickens, and an oddly sluggish rosella. Spotting, tracking, and zooming in on a bird with binoculars takes practice and patience that I’m now aware I’m sorely lacking. But by my third trip out, I started to get the hang of it and actually managed to photograph an actual bird. Just call me a bird nerd, I’m clearly a natural. 

Read more: Bird Nerd Checklist: Are You One of Us?

In the slow-burn skill-building phase, the lighter, easier-to-handle Standard Issue helped me learn the ropes, but the Field Issue delivered serious ‘wow’ moments once I had the basics down.

The more practice you have with adjusting the focus and translating the bird you can see with your eyes to the magnification of your Nocs, the more enjoyable you’ll find the process. 

Testing protocol

If you want to get into birding, I highly recommend grabbing some books, seeking out local pamphlets, sussing out local birding clubs, and getting involved in the annual national bird count. Once you start paying attention, you’ll find resources are available all over the place. Along with bird info signs on hiking trails in Noosa National Park, I even found a great collage about birds of Australia in the Brisbane Art Gallery. 

Winner: Standard Issue for beginners, Field Issue for levelling up or keeping motivation high.

Taking Photos

I had dreams of snapping stunning portraits of each bird I spotted through my Nocs and creating glorious albums of my successful sightings. The reality? Mostly blurry photos of trees and the inside of the binocular barrels. Trying to line up your phone lens with the binocular eyepiece while keeping your target bird in frame is a special kind of frustrating.

The Field Issue had superior clarity and zoom, so my best photos came from that pair, but only when I was seated and still. While I was standing it was nearly impossible to keep both the Nocs, my phone, and my arm aligned and steady. I achieved a higher volume of successful shots from the Standard Issue, but again, being seated or well-braced is key. Neither pair resulted in a photo I’d genuinely look at again or use to identify a bird.

The packaging included a guide, but it was hard work without the adaptor

Nocs does sell a photo rig adaptor (for a not-so-casual $70), which I haven’t tried, but I strongly recommend grabbing that if Nocs photography is your goal. Realistically, your money is probably better spent on an SLR with a zoom lens, but for a lightweight, comparatively cheap and cute option, this would be cool as it’ll prevent long minutes lining up your phone lens to the eyepiece. 

Winner: Tie. The Field Issue is best for stationary clarity, and the Standard Issue for mobility.

Got a lotta pics like this, like, a lot

Comfort

Straps

No contest here, the Field Issue Nocs strap is significantly better. It’s wider, more comfortable, and it sits snugly on your neck, avoiding uncontrollable bounce while you walk. The Standard Issue comes with a thin, crappy strap that starts burrowing into your skin almost immediately. I hated it. If you decide to buy the Standard Issue, you need to invest in a higher-quality strap from day one (the $50 woven-tapestry flora strap is what I’m eying off). Or check out the ones from Lyfer.

Read more: This New Brand is Aimed at…Birders?

I get that it’s a cheaper model, but this strap sucked

Weight

When it came to weight, the Standard Issue was significantly lighter at 336g, making it ideal for long hikes or when weight matters. The Field Issue weighs in at 473g, which you’ll notice more if you’re carrying it all day, but the payoff is in performance.

Grip

Both pairs were grippy to hold, even with sweaty hands. No difference between them. 

Winner: Field Issue, just. 

Design

From the packaging to the grippy designer wave-like surface finish, Nocs have gone the extra mile to ensure these binoculars are stylish, modern, and robust. Make sure you read every inch of the packaging to enjoy funny notes like ‘don’t be a creeper’. The most memorable instructions are the ones that make you laugh, and I love seeing brands be playful. 

The Cobalt Blue Standard Issue has a bold, compact, and lightweight design. It could easily have been a collab with Cotopaxi given the colourway, and you won’t lose this pair in your pack. The overall design feels more entry-level, and it doesn’t include lens protection caps. This is a pretty annoying exclusion if you’re planning to throw these in your pack a lot. Note that there are heaps of colours to choose from if this pair gives you toy shop vibes! 

The Field Issue in Paydirt Brown is the fancier and more serious of the two. It has a better strap, comes with lens caps, and feels more solid. It’s the kind of gear that makes you feel like you know what you’re doing.

Read more: Best Birdwatching Binoculars

The Field Issue is noticeably nicer, but you’d hope so for twice the price

Winner: Field Issue. You get what you pay for. 

Sustainability

While Nocs Provisions don’t remotely shout about sustainability, they really should. The brand has been a 1% for the Planet member since its inception, doesn’t use any plastic or glue in the post-consumer recycled cardboard product packaging, and uses soy ink for printing.  They’ve acheived net carbon zero with 1,011 tons offset too.

Very planet friendly packaging

Nocs binocs are provided with a ‘no-matter-what’ lifetime warranty, which, in theory, means you should have these for life. If there are material or workmanship problems, you can have your pair replaced or repaired. If you drop them and they break, well, you’re on your own. 

Winner: Tie for Nocs, win for the planet.

Price

The Standard Issue 8×25 comes in at RRP $179.99, which is reasonable for a waterproof, well-built pair of travel-friendly binoculars. It’s a great entry point for curious newbies and offers enough performance to keep things fun, especially if you’re not ready to commit big bucks to a new hobby just yet. 

The Field Issue 10×32 is just under double the price at RRP $329.99, but it also feels like a significant step up in quality and experience. Sharper views, sturdier build, comfier strap, and better overall usability, especially for seated or stationary viewing. If you’re in this for the long haul (or planning to bird from your porch or behind a window for safety…I see you!), it’s worth the extra investment.

Also worth noting: the phone photo adaptor is sold separately for $70, and I didn’t test it, but without it, phone photography is a finicky, frustrating pain. If snapping shots is your main goal, factor that extra cost in. The few shots I managed to line up were pretty cool, and I’d have enjoyed the process much more if each marginally successful shot wasn’t preceded by thirty plus crappy, blurry ones. 

Nocs Provisions Bonus Features

• Lens Caps: Field Issue has them. Standard Issue doesn’t. Cue melancholy bird call. 
• Box Instructions: Both say not to be a creeper, and that made me laugh. Always a win.
• Quirky Colours: Cobalt Blue pops but also feels like a small child’s toy, and I felt slightly ridiculous carrying them. The Paydirt Brown colour feels very serious, and I loved it. Great that there are heaps of colours available to choose from. 
• Cleaning cloths: Both pairs include one of these. Don’t lose it. Nocs Provisons also has more comprehensive lens cleaning kits available on its website.
• Diopter system: Allows you to adjust the magnification on the right eye to account for differences between your eyes. Most binoculars have this, but if you’re new to them, this could be new information!

The diopter is adjusted by the grips on the right eyepiece

Final Thoughts: Which Nocs Binoculars Should You Get?

If you’re brand new to birding or want the lightest possible option for occasional hikes and kayaking trips, the Standard Issue NOCS are a great choice. They’re steady, compact, and do the job 90% of the time, but you’ll want to upgrade the strap.

If you’re happy to sit still or want the best views possible, the Field Issue pair is absolutely worth the extra bucks and grams. They feel higher quality, have better optics, a comfier strap, and bonus lens caps. They made me feel like a proper birder (even when I was just zooming in on buoys by mistake). 

Despite the fact that I still can’t tell a tern from a cormorant, this is the pair I reach for every time now. It’s harder to get a good eyefull, but when I do manage it, it’s magic. 

Read more: How To Get Started Birdwatching

Fully fledged bird nerd coming in hot

FAQs Nocs Provisions Binoculars

What’s the difference between Nocs Standard and Field Issue binoculars?

The Standard Issue binoculars are lighter, more compact, and easier to keep steady, making them ideal for hiking and for beginners. The Field Issue offers greater magnification and clarity, along with premium features like lens caps and a more durable strap. They’re harder to keep steady, especially if you’re using them to take a photo through. 

Are Nocs binoculars good for birdwatching?

Yes, both the Standard and Field Issue models are excellent for birdwatching, especially for beginners. The Field Issue provides clearer, longer-distance views but can be harder to hold steady without support.

Can I use Nocs binoculars while wearing glasses?

Absolutely! Both models are designed for glasses-wearers and provide a single, clear view without needing to remove your specs. This baffled me the first few times I tried to make them work, so you need to be patient and use the adjustable eye-cups to find the right configuration for you.

Are Nocs binoculars good for smartphone photography?

They can be, but it’s tricky without the photo rig adaptor. Without it, lining up the phone lens with the binocular eyepiece is time-consuming and requires steady hands or a seated position for the least frustrating experience.

Which Nocs binoculars are better for hiking?

The Standard Issue 8×25 binoculars are lighter (336g) and easier to carry, making them better suited for active adventures like hiking and kayaking. But at 437g, the Field Issue 10×32 certainly aren’t heavy, so I’d opt for the better quality pair every time.