The Nocs Field Tube 8×32 monocular is excellent for viewing the moon and spotting planets. Its compact size fits comfortably in your pocket, making it a perfect travel buddy — much simpler to handle than bulky binoculars. It is also both waterproof and fog-proof. Designed for easy grip in various conditions, it allows for steady one-handed use while focusing with the other hand.
However, with its 8x magnification and a 32mm objective lens, the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 isn’t the best choice for nighttime astronomy. While it’s capable of limited stargazing, its narrow aperture struggles to gather enough light to properly illuminate the night sky. Will its impressive lunar and planetary viewing capabilities earn the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 a spot in our best monoculars guide?
Review of Nocs Field Tube 8×32 Monocular
Design
★★★★
- Water and fog-resistant
- Equipped with BaK-4 prisms
- Adjustable twist-up eyecups
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This monocular includes BaK-4 prisms, seven lens elements organized into five groups, and fully multi-coated optics to minimize ghosting, lens flare, and chromatic aberration. Additionally, it features scratch-resistant lenses and a durable waterproof design.
The Nocs Field Tube 8×32 is available in colors like Corsican Blue, Coral Red, and Banana Slug Yellow, and it has a standard 1/4-inch tripod socket underneath. The model we reviewed offers an 8×32 configuration, meaning an 8x magnification and a 32mm objective lens diameter.
Specifications
Design: Roof prism
Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 32mm
Eye relief: 15mm
Weight: 8.09oz/229.4g
Dimensions: 5.03×1.77 inches/128×45 mm
Durability: IPX7 (waterproof and fog-proof)
An almost identical variant is available with 10x magnification and additional color options like Ponderosa Green, Paydirt Brown, and Oxblood Maroon. The Nocs Field Tube 8×32 can focus on objects as close as 7.4 feet, which is shorter than many competitors.
We took the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 hiking in bright sunlight, and then later in the evening while a dew formed on a camera we were using. The monocular remained completely functional throughout the night.
Performance
★★★
- Clear views of the moon
- Stable and easy to hold
- Moderate low-light capabilities
While the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 performed adequately in our assessments, its physical limitations restrict its astronomy capabilities. We tested it at the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) Dark Sky Reserve while awaiting the Perseid meteor shower. Its convenience and quick focusing impressed us. When aimed at a waxing gibbous moon during daylight, we could clearly see the lunar maria.
As twilight descended and the moon’s brightness increased, we observed more features among its prominent craters. Even in the dark, the bright orb showed a subtle purplish edge, a sign of chromatic aberration, though it was not overly concerning.
During this observation, we utilized the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 to scan the northeastern sky just after sunset, searching for Venus hidden in the horizon’s mist. This turned out to be a success, with the monocular successfully revealing the bright planet that was not visible to the naked eye.
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As night fell, we deployed the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 to scan the star-studded Milky Way, achieving varied results. It helped reveal a layer of stars that were otherwise hidden from view, but with a 32mm aperture, it struggled to provide enough light for a thorough observation of celestial objects in the dark. We successfully detected two of the summer night’s notable “fuzzy blobs”: the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules (M13). It required a keen eye to locate them, as they were neither bright nor particularly striking, yet the monocular’s ability to deliver stable views for spotting such dim objects is commendable.
The Nocs Field Tube 8×32 is a solid compact choice for close-up studies of the moon and planets, although its limited aperture makes it less appealing for nighttime observation.
While its 8x magnification may not categorize it as the most powerful optical device, it was enjoyable to use. We appreciated that the monocular’s image stabilization function worked effectively at this magnification, diminishing common stability issues.
Functionality
★ ★ ★ ★
- Simple to focus
- Lens caps are detachable
- Non-slip exterior
The Nocs Field Tube 8×32 is straightforward and very user-friendly. One of the advantages of monoculars over binoculars is their quick focus, as you only need to adjust one eye. However, this model stands out for its ease of use. Its top-mounted focusing wheel is easy to manage with the same hand holding it, if positioned correctly. We found it more effective to hold it with one hand and adjust the focus with the other. The wheel has just enough resistance to keep it in place.
The twist-up eyepiece can be set to two outward positions for comfortable eye relief, and the twist action has enough grip to prevent sliding. The build quality is impressive, featuring a resilient rubber coating that is tough yet pleasant to hold. The objective lens also boasts similar durability, set back about 5mm.
The included wrist strap is practical, but a neck strap would improve usability. Unfortunately, for a product designed for outdoor convenience, the lens caps are fully removable. The rubber eyepiece cover includes a small loop that could connect to the strap pass-through on the monocular’s body. The objective lens cover resembles a plug, also with an attachment possibility, but the box lacks corresponding attachments.
Knowing that the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 is waterproof was beneficial during our test in Wales when an unexpected downpour occurred. We also appreciated its non-slip outer layer, making it easier to grip even with wet hands. However, we found the case provided to be subpar, as it was essentially a small drawstring bag offering minimal protection. It fits the monocular well but lacks practical utility.
We couldn’t help but think that the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 might benefit from having a solar filter since it could enhance its appeal for solar observations, despite being primarily a compact non-astronomical product.
User Reviews
Users have noted that there isn’t much difference in performance between the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 and pricier binoculars when it’s bright outside. The lightweight plastic build is appreciated for its portability, making it perfect for activities like hiking and traveling.
Should You Consider the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 Monocular?
Choose it if
✅ All-Weather Capability: You’re looking for a monocular designed for varied weather conditions, as it is both waterproof and fog-proof.
✅ Small Size for Moon Observing: It offers a clear and vibrant view of the moon, day or night.
Avoid it if
❌ Designed Only for Astronomy: If you need a monocular solely for astronomical purposes, this model doesn’t gather enough light for distant celestial objects.
❌ Need a Custom Hard Case: The Nocs Field Tube 8×32 comes with a basic drawstring bag instead of a sturdy hard case.
The Nocs Field Tube 8×32 excels as a versatile and user-friendly option that’s perfect for travel. It performs wonderfully for daytime viewing and moon observations, and it helps in spotting planets and brighter celestial bodies at night.
Its 32mm objective lens is somewhat small, which limits light collection from the night sky, leading to less distinct views of star clusters and the Milky Way. However, if you’re in search of a high-quality monocular for wildlife and occasional moon observations, the Nocs Field Tube 8×32 is definitely a top choice.
If the Nocs Provisions 8X32 Field Tube Monocular Isn’t What You Need
If you’re looking for a monocular that allows more light for a wider range of astronomical applications, consider the lightweight Opticron Explorer 8×42. It provides the same magnification with a significantly larger lens. For closer, detailed views of the moon and other celestial bodies, check out the higher magnification and larger lens options like the Hawke Endurance ED 10×42 Monocular, or even larger models like the Celestron Outland X, which offers 10×50 optics.
