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Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof Review

Budget-friendly, quite comfortable, and above average field of view, but otherwise a below-average performer with awful clarity
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nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $95 List
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Manufacturer:   Nocs Provisions
By Benjamin Hickok and Jessica Riconscente  ⋅  Dec 23, 2023
41
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#14 of 16
  • Clarity - 35% 2.9
  • Brightness - 20% 3.1
  • Comfort - 15% 7.9
  • Field of View - 10% 6.3
  • Ease of Adjustment - 15% 3.3
  • Close Focus Range - 5% 3.0

Our Verdict

The Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof aren't as incredible as other binos we tested in the group, but it was a difficult comparison to make given the compact and small nature of the 25mm lenses. Aside from some good marks for comfort, it trailed the majority of products we tested across all of our major test metrics. Nocs may advertise their optics as top shelf, but real-world use and objective testing put these optics towards the rear of the test group. While they are a very compact-sized pair of binos and inexpensive, we hoped they would do a better job transmitting light, as the viewing experience was dim. Overall, its performance in our tests was consistently lower than that of more premium models and models with larger lenses.
REASONS TO BUY
Light
Good grip
Very comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor light transmission
Poor close range focus
No eye covers
Editor's note: We retested and updated our review of the Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof on December 22nd, 2023.

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Bottom Line Though very comfortable and budget-friendly, this models poor light transmission and clarity might leave you wanting more than an easy-to-hold pair of compactsOne of the best overall values on the market, particularly for mid-range price shoppersA great choice for birders on a tight budgetDecent clarity and compactness make these a good budget option for traveling, backpacking and hikingA good choice for someone on a budget and who could use a pair of binoculars that lets in a lot of light
Rating Categories Nocs Provisions 8x2... Vortex Diamondback... Celestron Nature DX... Nikon Trailblazer A... Nikon Aculon A211 8x42
Clarity (35%)
2.9
6.2
5.8
5.0
3.3
Brightness (20%)
3.1
8.1
7.4
3.5
8.3
Comfort (15%)
7.9
6.6
5.4
7.9
4.6
Field of View (10%)
6.3
8.4
6.8
5.2
8.3
Ease of Adjustment (15%)
3.3
7.1
6.6
4.4
2.6
Close Focus Range (5%)
3.0
8.9
7.5
8.3
5.4
Specs Nocs Provisions 8x2... Vortex Diamondback... Celestron Nature DX... Nikon Trailblazer A... Nikon Aculon A211 8x42
Measured Weight 12.1 oz 23.1 oz 22.8 oz 10.5 oz 27.2 oz
Measured Interpupillary Distance Range 58 -73 mm 56 - 75 mm 57 -74 mm 38 -75 mm 56 - 73 mm
Measured Size (Length x Width) 4.3 x 4 in 5.7 x 5.1 in 5.4 x 4.5 in 2.7 x 4.1 in 6.8 x 5.9 in
Glass Type ED HD BAK-4 Eco-Glass Eco-Glass
Lens Coating Fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated Fully multi-coated
Magnification 8 8 8 10 8
Objective Lens Size 25 42 42 25 42
Claimed Field of View (at 1000 yards) 357 ft 393 ft 388 ft 342 ft 420 ft
Measured Close Focus 16.1 ft 5.5 ft 8.0 ft 6.6 ft 11.9 ft
Claimed Close Focus 16.4 ft 5.0 ft 6.5 ft 11.5 ft 13.0 ft
Measured Eye Relief 12.5 mm 18.0 mm 18.0 mm 10.5 mm 12.0 mm
Claimed Eye Relief 10 mm 17 mm 17.5 mm 10 mm 12 mm
Prism Roof Roof Roof Roof Porro
Waterproof/Fog Resistant? Yes Yes Yes Yes Not mentioned
Tripod Adapter No Yes Yes No Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review - while it's an easy-to-handle model, the nocs provisions 8x25 did not...
While it's an easy-to-handle model, the Nocs Provisions 8x25 did not perform the way we had expected.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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 might get you by at the zoo. 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. Still, it also underperformed the more modest models in our round-up, presenting blurry images.

nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review - the nocs provisions 8x25 waterproofs do not offer the clearest...
The Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproofs do not offer the clearest viewing.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Brightness


The observed and measured brightness of the Nocs Provisions left something to be desired compared to its peers. The small 3.1mm exit pupil, though bigger than the exit pupil on other models, let in less light than 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.

nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review - these binos offer a surprising level of brightness.
These binos offer a surprising level of brightness.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Comfort


The Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof are a fairly decent model when it comes to comfort, but that comfort only compliments brightness and a wide field of view.

The Nocs are surprisingly comfortable despite the looks.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

At 12.1 ounces, these binos are pretty light and easy to handle. This is aided by being surprisingly well-balanced. The entire binocular housing is textured, making it nice and even ergonomic to grip, and the eye cups are very comfortable. The included neck strap has room for improvement as it is a basic webbing strap.

nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review - the nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof are very light.
The Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof are very light.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Field of View


The Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof has a fairly average field of view compared to the entire test group. Our vertical board fence test counts the number of vertical fence boards that are visible and compares it to the test group average. With the Nocs, we were able to observe 55 fence boards.

nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review - the field of view was a pleasant surprise from the nocs provisions.
The field of view was a pleasant surprise from the Nocs Provisions.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Ease of Adjustment


Continuing a trend, the Nocs earned a below-average score in our ease of adjustment metric 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 the Nocs 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.

nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review - a short eye relief made adjusting this model for optimal viewing...
A short eye relief made adjusting this model for optimal viewing difficult.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Close Focus Range


The Nocs Provisions left us desiring much more in our last test metric, close focus range. We could not get the Nocs to focus on objects less than 16.1 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 an aviary.

nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review - one of the worst close focus ranges we've ever measured.
One of the worst close focus ranges we've ever measured.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

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. We wouldn't recommend this model even amongst other modest binoculars in our review.

nocs provisions 8x25 waterproof binocular review - a bag is provided to protect the lenses of the nocs provisions.
A bag is provided to protect the lenses of the Nocs Provisions.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?


For just a bit more money than the Nocs Provisions 8x25 Waterproof, you can purchase the much better Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25. While also not the best pair of binoculars, they offer a lot better overall performance at a comparative price. However, with value and performance in mind, we recommend considering a more expensive model, like Vortex Diamondback HD 8x28, which is a great buy in a compact format.

— Benjamin Hickok and Jessica Riconscente
 
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