what are opera glasses called?
Opera glasses are used mostly by the audiences in the theatre. These are also known as theatre binoculars. Opera glasses were used originally by the members of the elite class who used to be seated there in opera decks to view the theatre performances. They have to use opera glasses because of seating at distance far from the stage. These served as useful optical devices for them. Even today opera glasses are used. The viewers use these instruments and feel as if they were sitting in the front rows. Opera glasses are used at shows, concerts and theatres by the spectators. These are symbol of elegance used by the higher sections of society.
Binoculars glasses for opera – what should you look for? what different types will you find?
Whether your passion is opera, dance, theater or concerts, you surely enjoy an outing to view live performances at least occasionally. But, unless you use opera glasses or theater binoculars, you certainly won’t have wrung the most out of the entertainment. Without opera glasses you’re sure to miss expressions on actors’ faces … intricate detail of costume … precision of dance movements …
Once you’ve watched a performance with the aid of theater binoculars, you won’t wish to do without them!. What’s more, you ladies will discover several wonderfully elegant pairs that are not only practical to use, but also a beautiful fashion accessory.
What to look for
Opera glasses differ from most other binoculars in that they’re designed for indoor use as opposed to outdoor use.
You’ll also need a pair that have a strong enough magnification to view detail, without losing field of view as you’ll wish to be able to see all the stage.
For this reason, a magnification of around 3x is considered ideal, with an objective lens of 21-25 mm.
You’ll also be looking for something compact and lightweight.
Most theater binoculars have a central focus adjustment, which you’ll find easy-to-use, just needing to be set the once.
You’ll discover a few with fixed focus, and these won’t need to be set at all.
Consider also appearance – do you prefer a colorful, elegant pair … or something more formal and practical?
Types and Prices of opera glasses
Opera glasses basically come in five different types, though these can come combined:
- traditional – like a mini pair of binoculars
- with chain – to place round your neck
- with handle – a lorgnette type
- with light – to help read progam in the dark
- fold-up ones
And prices range from well under $50, to over $200 for a fancy pair of Swarovski Crystal opera glasses.
Magnification and general price quote
Opera glasses are low powered binoculars. The magnification is 5 times less than the average magnification of the conventional binoculars. It helps reducing image shakes and maintaining better view. Normally, opera glasses should have only 3 times magnification. The prices of opera glasses vary in range approximately from $60 to $800. There is available a wide variety of different brands having different features.
Other types of Opera glasses
The Masterpiece Collection Theater Glasses is a popular brand which offers opera glasses at affordable rates. They are well-known for their polished optics. They offer highly sophisticated and refined opera glasses. These opera glasses have unique designs and styles. The styles of these opera glasses cater to the taste of the viewers. There are both classic and modern styles available in market. There cutting edge designs are liked by the people at large. There are three unique designs which are concerto, Encore and Ovation.
Binoculars Glasses for Opera – Examples
Which makes are the best?
This really depends on the type you’re after, and how much you wish to pay.
Vixen offer an extremely affordable pair of plain and simple fold-ups for under $10.
Zhumell produce inexpensive traditional types, and Masterpiece traditionals also receive excellent reviews.
Barska’s 3×25 with light is also popular, and won’t break the bank.
Or, if you fancy something both visually attractive and high-end, go for one of Swarovski’s Crystal opera glasses.
One thing’s for sure … once you’ve used theater binoculars, you won’t go to another performance without them!
Swarovski Opera glasses specification
Swarovski offer highly fashionable opera glasses fit for the elite class. Those who want to introduce new styles and leave a fashion statement, Swarovsi offer unique designs. At present, the most costly optical instruments are manufactured by them. The finest materials are used to manufacture their products. Their products are highly elegant and stylish in appearance. These top of the line optical gadgets have a touch of a class and magnificence. The light weight devices are very expensive because the genuine Swarovski crystals are embedded on them having distinctive cuts. If you are going to buy one made by Swarovski, you must be expecting the highest price. An opera glass originally to be sold in just 100 dollars will have $800 price at Swarovski. Only Swarovsi offer waterproof and the lightest opera glasses.
Vintage shops sell antique opera glasses which are rare and unique. As, it is hard to find antique items, these opera glasses have high prices like Swarovski.
There are folding opera glasses which are light weight and handy. These are also expensive optical devices because it is hard to find them.
Antique opera glasses collection
Other antique theater binocular collection
Wide Objective Opera Glass
Mother of pearl clad brass opera glass with exceptionally wide objective lenses to aid the theater patron when the scene calls for a dimly lit stage or when characters are hiding in shadows or for night time sport events. Late-1800s
Otto Kolrep German opera glass
Mother-of-pearl clad nickel brass and aluminum opera glass made by Cassel & Otto Kulrep Optiker, Germany. Mother-of-pearl panels on tubes are hand etched with intricate floral and bird motifs. c1900
Green enameled lorgnette opera glass
Lorgnette opera glass made of lacquered brass with decorated green enameled tubes, a telescoping brass handle, and mother-of-pearl eyecups and focus wheel. c1900
Negretti & Zambra brass and ivory opera glass
Brass and ivory opera glass by Negretti & Zambra, London. Maker’s name engraved in script on lacquered brass draw tube with a list of addresses engraved on the other. Logo and other imformation embossed on satin case lid liner with a credit to being ‘Opticians to Her Majesty’.
Small brass and coral opera glass
Small opera glass made of brass with coral eyecups, focus wheel and trim. Finely textured metal covers on the main tubes are hand painted with floral design. Late-1800s
Dolland lorgnette mother-of-pearl clad brass opera glass
Opera glass with brass and velvet mantle design
Brass opera glass with mother-of-pearl eyecups and focus wheel. Tubes are mantled in purple velvet with an ornate floral scroll design, sculpted in brass, set over the mantles. Mid to Late-1800s
Other brands, models and specification
There are also other famous brands of opera glasses such as Jaccard opera glasses, opera glasses UK, Lorgnette opera glasses, Costume opera glasses, Crystal opera glasses, Jaccard King Jewelry Co opera glasses, Milana opera glasses, Antique Jaccard opera glasses, Ed Messter Berlin opera glasses, Elegant 19th century antique Ivory opera glasses, Mother of Pearls opera glasses and Jaccard King Jewelry Co Brass opera glasses. Here is the recap of the popular models and brands:
- Opera glass by Bertier Fabi: Opera glass by M. Bertier Fabi, Paris, made of golden mother-of-pearl and ornate brass with rings of coral lining the inner rims of mother-of-pearl eyecups. It stores in a maroon leather stringed pouch. Late-1800s
- Votkey Lace opera glass: Opera glass inscribed on white mother-of-pearl eyecups with ‘C. Votkey Lace, Ane Mon Fournier, Passage Stenbock 18 St.Petersbourg’. Russian. Made of mother-of-pearl clad copper tubes with brass bridges. Late-1800s.
- Ivory clad lorgnette opera glass: Small brass lorgnette opera glass with John Dolland inscribed on ivory eyecups. Tubes and focus wheel and the folding lorgnette handle are ivory. Mid to Late-1800s
- Dark mother-of-pearl opera glass: Opera glass with black enameled draw tubes, bridges, and eyecups; dark mother-of-pearl mantles on the main tubes with natural colorful swirls, and lacquered brass trim. Early-1900s
- Opera glass with repousse tin artwork: Brass and nickel brass opera glasses with bone focus wheel and intricate floral repousse artwork in relief on tin tube mantles. c1900
- Negretti & Zambra brass and ivory opera glass: Brass and ivory opera glass by Negretti & Zambra, London. Maker’s name engraved in script on lacquered brass draw tube with a list of addresses engraved on the other. Logo and other imformation embossed on satin case lid liner with a credit to being ‘Opticians to Her Majesty’.
- Fielder, Berlin, German opera glass: Brass opera glass with mother-of-pearl tube mantles, brass eyecups and ivory focus wheel. Case lid liner is embossed, ‘Rich. Fiedler, Optiker Berlin’. Late-1800s
- German opera glass by J. Kleissl & Company: Opera glass by J. Kleissl & Co, Pilsen, Germany. Made of oxidized brass draw tubes, enameled bridges, dark mother-of-pearl tube mantles, bone focus wheel and ebony eyecups. c1900
- Opera glass with floral repousse artwork on tube mantles: Brass opera glass with nickel brass eyecups, bridges and focus wheel. Tube mantles are pink enameled tin with handworked repousse floral artwork. c1900
- French opera glass by Saint Cloud, Paris: French opera glass with Saint Cloud, Paes, Paris inscribed on eyecup. Made of lacquered brass but both main and draw tubes are mantled with white mother-of-pearl. Eyecups and focus wheel are mother-of-peral. Late-1800s
- Lorgnette opera glass covered in tortoise shell: Lorgnette opera glass made of brass with tortoise shell tube mantles and handle, nickel brass bridges, and enameled eyecups. c1900
- Brass and ivory opera glass by Joseph Whitehouse: Opera glass made by Joseph Whitehouse, Optician, 43 Warwick, Pimlico. Made of brass with ivory tube mantles, eyecups and focus wheel. c1870
- Opera glass with cherub repousse artwork: Brass opera glass with Chevalier Optician, Paris inscribed on eyepiece. Reposse artwork of playful cherubs decorates the silver plated main tubes. Bridges are nickel brass and the focus wheel ebony. c1900
- Blue tubes and floral artwork: Brass and aluminum opera glass with tin tube covers with repousse floral artwork. Early-1900s
- Aluminum opera glass by Dolland: Opera glass by Dolland, London. Maker’s name along with ‘Estd 1750 and his four business addresses is embossed on satin cover in inner case lid. Made of polished aluminum with brown leather tube covers. Early-1900s
- Brass opera glass with leather tube mantles: Small brass opera glass with black enamel on brass eyecups and brown leather tube mantles with embossed gold trim. First opera glass acquired by the museum curator. Purchase at an antique fair in London in 1982. Mid-1900s
- Marque Iris de Paris: Opera glass made by Iris de Paris. Made of brass and nickel brass and engraved on tubes with maker’s name and logo of an eagle.
- Plastic opera glass: Some theaters and opera houses during mid-1900s would provide cheapo opera glasses to patrons who had forgotten their own or did not own one at all. They were either loaned just for that play, came with the price of admission, or offered with extra charge. With a 2-2.5 magnifying power, they served the purpose if not compared to the sharp clarity and elegance of a Dolland, Chevalier or Tauber.
For buying Opera glasses, you can use internet. You can use search engines and can make online shopping. Choose one as per your taste; it will reflect your personality.