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 not the same as binoculars because they are much smaller and are usually nicely stylish. There are some brands that look like a flat case that fit into a woman's evening bag or in a jacket pocket that pop up like an accordion. There are also those that fold in on themselves and can be carried unnoticed. Some are held up with a single rod called a lorgnette enabling a person to hold with only one hand instead of using both hands. The rod also folds up to hide it well when not in use.
Opera glasses are easily purchased even in today's market. A cheap model may cost under $100 US dollars, at around $50, but they can go up in price to hundreds of dollars. The expensive types will have better optics and magnifications and probably be a little more fashionable as well. Vintage opera glasses can cost increasingly more dollars just because of the fact they are old. Just make sure they still work well.
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 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.
Most opera glasses today are made in China. Most of them have a magnification to 3 X which is adequate for a large auditorium or concert hall. Exceptions to the rule go to 5 X but they are quite expensive. Some will have a center focus and some don't have one at all. Usually the non focus glasses have a small red LED light that appears between the eye barrels. This will enable you to read the program in dim light without disturbing your neighbor. If you have good vision these will be the ones for you however, if you have a problem with vision and wish to use the opera glasses without your corrective lenses it is better to go with the ones that can be focused. Since there is a central focusing mechanism there is no room for the light so focused opera glasses will not have one.
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. - 16887
Opera glasses are not the same as binoculars because they are much smaller and are usually nicely stylish. There are some brands that look like a flat case that fit into a woman's evening bag or in a jacket pocket that pop up like an accordion. There are also those that fold in on themselves and can be carried unnoticed. Some are held up with a single rod called a lorgnette enabling a person to hold with only one hand instead of using both hands. The rod also folds up to hide it well when not in use.
Opera glasses are easily purchased even in today's market. A cheap model may cost under $100 US dollars, at around $50, but they can go up in price to hundreds of dollars. The expensive types will have better optics and magnifications and probably be a little more fashionable as well. Vintage opera glasses can cost increasingly more dollars just because of the fact they are old. Just make sure they still work well.
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 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.
Most opera glasses today are made in China. Most of them have a magnification to 3 X which is adequate for a large auditorium or concert hall. Exceptions to the rule go to 5 X but they are quite expensive. Some will have a center focus and some don't have one at all. Usually the non focus glasses have a small red LED light that appears between the eye barrels. This will enable you to read the program in dim light without disturbing your neighbor. If you have good vision these will be the ones for you however, if you have a problem with vision and wish to use the opera glasses without your corrective lenses it is better to go with the ones that can be focused. Since there is a central focusing mechanism there is no room for the light so focused opera glasses will not have one.
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. - 16887
About the Author:
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment