Opera Glasses are similar to binoculars but they are made for being able to see performances on stage. In old opera houses seats placed in balconies that were subsequently cheaper were very far away from the stage. In some they were so far away on the figures could be seen from that distance but seeing facial features, and thus part of the acting, was impossible to make out. Opera glasses would enable those people in the peanut gallery to see on stage much better to the point of seeing the facial expressions of the actors or singers. They have been popular 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.

Some theaters give you the opportunity to rent opera glasses for a small fee. If you are an opera or theater enthusiast that attends regularly you may want to have a pair of your own, but if you one go once in awhile renting them is a good option. If you want to buy your own it is a good idea to try out the rented ones to see what you prefer. You may like the ones you hold one handed with the rod or you might like the ones you use like binoculars. You might find out you don’t even want to use them.

Opera glasses differ from binoculars in their optical system. Binoculars have a complicated system while opera glasses are simple based on the Galilean optical system invented by Galileo. The image seen is not nearly as sharp as with binoculars but you will still be able to see everything up on 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.

Opera Glasses usually are accompanied by a case and especially look for this in the vintage ones. Some are soft sided and others hare hard and can be lined with velvet. Some antique glasses are made of ivory or enamel with cloisonne and they may be bejewelled or framed in gold or silver. Old ones were very beautiful and elegant. Either vintage or modern glasses make a great gift for those who love the ballet, opera or theater.

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!