Great Binoculars, Value Price: Nocs Provision Pro Issue 8×42 Review

What do a bagel with cream cheese and a pair of binoculars have in common? Usually, not much. But living out in the boonies near a bird sanctuary, I often eat breakfast (a bagel and cream cheese) while scanning the land to see what our birds are doing.

Since last fall, my glass of choice has been the Nocs Provision Pro Issue 8×42 Binoculars. And, no, not just for watching birds from my kitchen while I eat breakfast. I’ve been taking them out and about when I head out hiking solo or with the kids. They’re durable and robust, and I found them great for active tracking whether I was on the move or sitting and watching.

Overall, I only dealt with distortion on the edges of my field of view at sunset. Knowing that quality binoculars can range into thousands of dollars, I’ll gladly accept a little distortion at a specific time of day for having only spent $300.

In short: In the vast world of binoculars, you can spend thousands of dollars or pick something like the NOCS Provisions Pro Issue 8×42 Binoculars for $300 and be satisfied. For most casual users, and even some more regular birdwatchers, hikers, or hunters looking for value glass, these are an excellent choice at a very good price.

Compare the Nocs Provisions Pro Issue 8×42 Binoculars with the rest of our picks in our guide to the best binoculars. If you’re looking for premium binoculars for many hours of glassing, consider our guide to the best binoculars for hunting.

Nocs Provision Pro Issue 8×42 Review

Overview

The Nocs Provisions Pro Issue 8×42 binoculars are mid-tier binoculars that perform like much more expensive models. This is due to a dynamic duo of multilayer phase-correcting coatings and a 429-foot field of view. Together, these features provide consistent clarity whether you’re stationary or on the move.

With a close focus range of 6 feet, the Pro Issue provides crisp details near and far. Thus, they’re excellent for all types of glassing.

Like most quality binoculars today, the Pro Issue is waterproof and fogproof. Taking it a step further, Nocs Provisions ensured they were IPX7 certified. This ensures that water and dust will not penetrate the binoculars. They can be submerged in 3.3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

To match that vibe, the Pro Issue has a durable body and rubberized shell. This allows them to be used in all weather conditions and banged around without worrying about them getting damaged. This also provides a level of grip that instills confidence.

Additionally, when paired with the optional Photo Rig Smartphone Adapter, you can take impressive photos. These will be good enough for your social media efforts or to hang on your wall.

Clarity

Nocs Provisions makes many big claims about the clarity and capabilities of the Pro Issue binoculars, all of which have proven to be true in testing. The phase-coated Bak4 prism lenses offer a heightened level of contrast and sharpness, allowing you to quickly identify birds, wildlife, and beyond with a refined crispness. Combined with the 8x magnification and 42mm objective lens, you can move and track your subject matter easily and without the worry of distortion.

Birds move fast and are small, so having a pair of binoculars that can keep up with them without losing focus is critical if you’re serious about this hobby. At only $300, the Pro Issue offers a heightened experience for people of all dedication and skill levels.

At the center of that experience is this uncanny level of clarity, especially for such reasonably priced glass. This is why I have named the Pro Issue 8 x 42 the Best Overall Binoculars of 2025.

Durability and Ease of Use

Whether it’s a handheld GPS unit, power bank, or pair of binoculars, durability and ease of use play major roles in choosing the right precision instrument for the outdoors.

That said, I am a little more critical of binoculars because they can be both expensive and finicky. If they’re not durable, they’ll likely become more unreliable and thus be relinquished to living on your shelf at home. 

I am happy to report that out in the field, specifically roaming around the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, the Pro Issue exceeded expectations whether I was using them or my kids were. The focus knob was fluid and easy to adjust, as were the eye cups and frame.

The lens coating allowed me to wipe away debris and smears easily. And, since they’re scratch-resistant, I didn’t feel bad using the bottom of my flannel to clean them off.

I will also add that the Pro Issue wasn’t uncomfortable to carry around my neck while I was wandering all around the Institute trails. It’s a playscape for people of all ages that involves ascending up and down, in and out of canopy platforms. Not once did I feel hampered by having them swinging around on my neck.

They didn’t bother my 8- and 11-year-old daughters, either. This was partly due to a strap upgrade sent to me from Nocs. I highly recommend spending the extra $30 for anyone planning to wear these binoculars for long stretches of time.

Size

At nearly 6 inches high, 5 inches wide, and with a diameter of almost 2.25 inches, the Pro Issue binoculars are large compared to what most people would take while backpacking. If you’re carrying a pack, these shouldn’t be much of a burden. However, they won’t fit in a standard sling bag or waist pack. This will leave you having to wear them at all times.

I didn’t find it an issue because I like things at the ready. However, if you’re a casual bino user looking for a more compact option, the Standard Issue 8 x 25 binoculars Nocs Provisions offers might be more your cup of tea.

PRO TIP: Cat Crap

Unless you’re a skier, you might be thinking this article is about to take a really weird turn. Cat Crap is an anti-fog balm that skiers have used for decades to keep their goggles from fogging up. I use it in the colder months for my sunglasses, camera lenses, and binoculars.

You might ask, “Didn’t you just say these binos were fogproof?” Yes, I did. But this isn’t the same kind of fog. The fog that Nocs Provisions is referring to is condensation inside the binocular tubes. The fog I’m referring to forms on the surface of the lens when you go from a warm place to a cold place.

In Conclusion

After half a year of using these binoculars for a variety of reasons, in a variety of elements, I think they’re excellent. Especially when you consider that they only cost $300. You generally don’t get this level of clarity in this price range.

Almost every pair of binoculars I have used or tested in the last 30 years has had distortion at dusk. However, to minimize that, you used to have to spend three or four times the cost of the Nocs Provisions Pro Issue 8×42.  At $300, you’re getting optics that usually don’t exist at this level.

They’re also a lot of fun. Where most binoculars are black or dark green, Nocs Provisions provides various color combinations that bring fun into the whole game of glassing. Additionally, their accessories match that tone. These aspects have helped make using binoculars fun for my kids.

We live by the Connecticut River. It used to take a lot of bribes to get my daughters to hop in the truck, head down to the river, and look for birds. Now they argue over who gets to use them first. That’s a big deal in a world where staring at the screen of an iPad is usually more important to them.