You may not want to bring binoculars to catch all the action of a performance on stage so Opera Glasses would be the next best thing. Opera houses built many years ago have balconies that are very far from the stage with cheaper seats. Often times they were such a distance that you could only see figures moving across the stage and forget about seeing faces that is part of the acting processes. Opera glasses would enable those people in the gallery to see much better almost to the point of seeing the facial expressions of the performers. Opera Glasses are not a new item on the market because they have been available since the 50's.
Opera glasses are different from binoculars as they are made to be smaller and some where made not so much to look utilitarian but to look stylish. Some pop up from a flat looking case and are easily carried in women's clutch bags or in suit coat pockets. Others fold so that they can easily be carried around without notice. There are some that mimic those of the past with a single rod attached called a lorgnette, so the glasses can be held to the eyes with only one hand. This folds up as well.
You can purchase opera glasses easily these days. You can get an inexpensive model for about $50 to $100 US dollars but there are those with better optics are much more expensive. Expensive models will be more stylish as well. Antique opera glasses are often much more expensive merely because they are antique and most often much more ornate. Try them out to make sure they give you the magnification you need and are still in operating order.
Many opera houses and theaters have opera glasses for rent and the price for renting is generally inexpensive. If you frequent the opera or the theater often it may be better to own a pair, but if you only go every so often renting may be the thing for you. It is also suggested if thinking about purchasing a pair to rent different types to see which will be more favorable to your liking. Some people like the ones better that are on the long rod and employ the use of only one hand better, while others don't mind using both hands. Some people find they don't even like using them at all.
Opera glasses are different in another way from binoculars. The optical system used is much simpler than that used in binoculars. It is known as the Galilean optical system and based on the system that was invented by Galileo. The view is not as sharp with opera glasses as it is with binoculars but it still enables you to see what is happening on the stage.
China is the major producer of opera glasses today. They usually have a 3 X magnification that is good for a concert hall or big auditorium. Some go up to 5 X but they tend to cost more. Some come equipped with a center focus and others don't focus at all. The ones that do not focus usually have a small LED light that is placed between the barrels for the eyes. It helps you to read the program in dim lights without bothering the person in the seat next to you. People with good vision have no problem with these but if you do wear glasses or contacts you might want to look into the focusing type. There is a mechanism for the focus in the focusing opera glasses that takes the place of the light. You can use them with corrective lenses or without.
Cases usually come with new opera glasses and the vintage type will also have them. Soft cases are available as well as the hard type with a velvet lining. Antique glasses can be made of ivory or cloisonne enamel or they may have jewels attached or be decorated with gold or silver. These opera glasses were made to be elegant although you were not supposed to notice them. Either type make a great gift for those who frequent the opera, ballet or theater.
Opera glasses are different from binoculars as they are made to be smaller and some where made not so much to look utilitarian but to look stylish. Some pop up from a flat looking case and are easily carried in women's clutch bags or in suit coat pockets. Others fold so that they can easily be carried around without notice. There are some that mimic those of the past with a single rod attached called a lorgnette, so the glasses can be held to the eyes with only one hand. This folds up as well.
You can purchase opera glasses easily these days. You can get an inexpensive model for about $50 to $100 US dollars but there are those with better optics are much more expensive. Expensive models will be more stylish as well. Antique opera glasses are often much more expensive merely because they are antique and most often much more ornate. Try them out to make sure they give you the magnification you need and are still in operating order.
Many opera houses and theaters have opera glasses for rent and the price for renting is generally inexpensive. If you frequent the opera or the theater often it may be better to own a pair, but if you only go every so often renting may be the thing for you. It is also suggested if thinking about purchasing a pair to rent different types to see which will be more favorable to your liking. Some people like the ones better that are on the long rod and employ the use of only one hand better, while others don't mind using both hands. Some people find they don't even like using them at all.
Opera glasses are different in another way from binoculars. The optical system used is much simpler than that used in binoculars. It is known as the Galilean optical system and based on the system that was invented by Galileo. The view is not as sharp with opera glasses as it is with binoculars but it still enables you to see what is happening on the stage.
China is the major producer of opera glasses today. They usually have a 3 X magnification that is good for a concert hall or big auditorium. Some go up to 5 X but they tend to cost more. Some come equipped with a center focus and others don't focus at all. The ones that do not focus usually have a small LED light that is placed between the barrels for the eyes. It helps you to read the program in dim lights without bothering the person in the seat next to you. People with good vision have no problem with these but if you do wear glasses or contacts you might want to look into the focusing type. There is a mechanism for the focus in the focusing opera glasses that takes the place of the light. You can use them with corrective lenses or without.
Cases usually come with new opera glasses and the vintage type will also have them. Soft cases are available as well as the hard type with a velvet lining. Antique glasses can be made of ivory or cloisonne enamel or they may have jewels attached or be decorated with gold or silver. These opera glasses were made to be elegant although you were not supposed to notice them. Either type make a great gift for those who frequent the opera, ballet or theater.
About the Author:
Jeff B. has always loved the theater and opera, he currently helps run an opera glasses retail site where they sell opera glasses. Including Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!
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