Opera Glasses To See The Opera
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...By Jeff Bridges
Published: December 25, 2009
Opera glasses, also called theater binoculars are compact low powered optical devices that are used to bring the show closer to theater patrons. Originally they were for use at the opera. Magnification of opera glasses is limited due to the low light conditions of most theaters to about a 3x power.
In some ways, opera glasses may look like binoculars. They are however designed for use indoors. They are useful for those at an opera or other performance who have seats that are seated in the back of the theater or in the balconies. The give the theater goers the ability to see the stage from the locations that are far away.
Opera glasses work on a different optical basis than do binoculars. Binoculars are classified as a matched set of folded telescopes while opera glasses are made on the principle of a Galileo’s first telescope. They have a convex lens nearest the stage and a convex lens nearer the eye. This makes the image to appear right side up, unlike other telescopes. The image is not the quality of binoculars, but is still acceptable for indoor viewing of shows. In addition mirrors are not needed as they are in binoculars.
Opera glasses are designed to be very small. They are not meant to be obtrusive or distracting to any other of the theater goers. Some of the models are made to fold in order to fit into a pocket or a purse.
It can take some adjustment to get used to using opera glasses. Fortunately, in many of the larger operas where they are needed most, they can be rented. You might want to try renting a pair to use before actually investing in your own set.
During the 1700s opera goers often carried spectacles on a long handle called a lorgnette. Historians agree that these glasses were truly more ornamental than they were useful. The lorgnette was the preferred spectacle of the fashionable ladies of the time. Today many of the fancier opera glasses take the shape of the lorgnette of that era.
Whether to use opera glasses or not is a personal choice. While some people find them useful in following the story line, other patrons find them to be very annoying and unnecessary. If you find that the glasses are annoying, but have difficulty in following the story line from the distant seats, you may enjoy the show more from a more expensive seat. You will often have the needed view without having to use the opera glasses.
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!
Tagged with: arts, dance, entertainment, hobbies and interest, Music, Opera, performances, recreation, reviews, Theater, theater reviews, Travel and leisure
