Opera glasses are often called theater binoculars. These optical instruments are compact and low in power, but useful in magnification of the performers. Originally the glasses were used exclusively at operas. Due to the lower light conditions the magnification power of opera glasses is always kept under 5x power and most are at a 3x power.
Opera glasses compare in some ways to binoculars. However, opera glasses are designed for indoor use. They are found useful at indoor theaters and in many other performances where seats may be located some distance from the stage, as in balconies or the back of the theater. The glasses give the patron the ability to see the stage from the far away locations.
However, opera glasses are not true binoculars from an optical point of view. Binoculars are actually a pair of telescopes. The overall length of the telescopes is made possible by an optical process called folding which uses mirrors to shorten the length. Opera glasses, use a convex lens as the objective lens and a concave lens for the eyepiece. Although the image is not as high a quality as with binoculars, it is produced upright using only two lenses instead of the multiple lenses necessary with the binoculars.
Opera glasses are designed to be small and unobtrusive. They should be small enough that they do not distract other theater goers. Some of the models fold so that they may be easily slipped into the pocket or the purse.
Use of opera glasses can take some getting used to. One suggestion is to try an inexpensive rental of opera glasses. They are often available at the larger operas. If you rent before you buy, you will know if opera glasses help you to enjoy the show.
During the nineteenth century, many ladies used spectacles having a long handle called a lorgnette. Most of these glasses were more ornamental than they were useful. The lorgnette was preferred at this time to the more traditional spectacle. Today, many of the more expensive opera glasses use the design of the lorgnette of the nineteenth century.
The use of opera glasses is truly a personal choice. They may be helpful in following the story line for some patrons however others find them to be annoying and unnecessary to follow the story line. The other factor may be the seat that you choose. While better seating may be more expensive, it often offers a much better view of the show without requiring the use of opera glasses. - 29874
Opera glasses compare in some ways to binoculars. However, opera glasses are designed for indoor use. They are found useful at indoor theaters and in many other performances where seats may be located some distance from the stage, as in balconies or the back of the theater. The glasses give the patron the ability to see the stage from the far away locations.
However, opera glasses are not true binoculars from an optical point of view. Binoculars are actually a pair of telescopes. The overall length of the telescopes is made possible by an optical process called folding which uses mirrors to shorten the length. Opera glasses, use a convex lens as the objective lens and a concave lens for the eyepiece. Although the image is not as high a quality as with binoculars, it is produced upright using only two lenses instead of the multiple lenses necessary with the binoculars.
Opera glasses are designed to be small and unobtrusive. They should be small enough that they do not distract other theater goers. Some of the models fold so that they may be easily slipped into the pocket or the purse.
Use of opera glasses can take some getting used to. One suggestion is to try an inexpensive rental of opera glasses. They are often available at the larger operas. If you rent before you buy, you will know if opera glasses help you to enjoy the show.
During the nineteenth century, many ladies used spectacles having a long handle called a lorgnette. Most of these glasses were more ornamental than they were useful. The lorgnette was preferred at this time to the more traditional spectacle. Today, many of the more expensive opera glasses use the design of the lorgnette of the nineteenth century.
The use of opera glasses is truly a personal choice. They may be helpful in following the story line for some patrons however others find them to be annoying and unnecessary to follow the story line. The other factor may be the seat that you choose. While better seating may be more expensive, it often offers a much better view of the show without requiring the use of opera glasses. - 29874
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Before you attend any performance make sure that you have a good pair of opera glasses. Here you can check out Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!
