Whether you are passionate about opera, theater, cinema or even ballet, opera glasses(knows as Theater binoculars, Galilean binoculars, Opera Binoculars and Theatre glasses) are a reliable help when you want to achieve the perfect view.
As there are many options for each taste it becomes harder to find the perfect opera glasses at a decent price, therefore before buying them, you may want to look at some of their features.
Best Opera Glasses of 2020
Design
From antique to modern and from usability to aesthetics a wide range of opera glasses can be found on the market, suitable for each occasion. The common characteristic of opera glasses is that they are small, great for being carried in the pocket or in a purse.
The design does not have such a high impact on the performance of the glasses but it can help you express your personality.
Chain or handle?
Opera glasses with a chain attached are recommended especially for kids as they can be hanged without to worry of losing or dropping them.
If you want to make yourself comfortable while watching the show, I recommend purchasing the opera glasses which came with a foldable handle as you can use it as a telescope while resting your arm, but if you prefer more simple opera glasses you can select simple glasses with no chain and no handle.
Led light?
As during the shows the rooms are dark and you want to read the details of the performance you can choose the opera glasses which comes with a discreet light so you won’t disturb anybody.
Field of view
When looking for opera glasses, the field of view it’s the most important feature to check because it determines how wide the image constructed by the binoculars would be. Please note some opera glasses are not capable of capturing the whole stage.
The binocular’s field of view is highly affected by the magnification, as the magnification acts like zoom in. A higher magnification power will result in a smaller field of view, you will obtain a closer image but also there is a chance you may not capture the whole stage.
Magnification
Magnification is the second most important feature, but the choices are narrowed, as the biggest magnification for the opera glasses is limited to 5x, usually being 3x.
Why such small magnifications?
Higher magnifications show more details, but it reduces the field of view, therefore 5x could magnify too much for the wide view and anything below 3x magnification may be superfluous.
Moreover, at 3x magnification power, the user can see clearly the details on the stage without worrying about image shakiness.
Lens size
Another factor that should be considered is the size of the objective lens. Typically opera glasses have the lens 25mm or 27mm, rarely even 18mm. The smaller the lens are, the less light will capture which is not enjoyable in dark houses or rooms.
In comparison with regular binoculars, opera glasses have a single focus wheel for focusing both eyes at the same time and they are cheaper taking into account their quality.
1. ESSLNB Opera Binoculars Glasses for Adults
One of the best opera glasses that you can find on the market right now, with a high magnification 4x and vintage design, unisex as they can be found on three colors: red, black and gold.
This product comes with a chain attachment, for wearing around your neck, this feature makes them suitable for kids as wearing them around the neck highly decreases the chance of losing them.
Not only that the chance of losing them is diminished but also the chance of dropping them (making dropping possible only if the chain breaks).
Specifications:
- Magnification: 4X
- Weight: 272g
- Objective Lens Diameter : 30mm
- Lenses: Multi-coating
- Eyepiece diameter:13.5mm
- Focus Mode: Central focusing
- Eye Relief: 7.5mm
- Field of View :122m/1000m
- Field Angle: 7 Degrees
- Dimensions: 13x9x6cm
Package include: 1 x Theater Binocular, 1 x Cleaning Cloth,1 x Soft Bag Pouch
Pros:
- Removable gold chain making them easy to transport around your neck, in purse / pouch or in the pocket
- Simple central knob focusing, easy to use even wearing gloves
- Adjustable interpupillary distance
- 30 mm eyepiece, wider field of view, 20 ft field of view at 1000 yards
- Unisex, 3 colors to choose from: red, black or gold
- Suitable for kids
- Increased durability, as its made of high grade aluminum alloy
- Good quality for a fair price.
Cons :
- Some customers notice that they are a bit heavy comparing to other opera glasses and long time usage may result in tiredness hands
- They don’t have a LED light, therefore using them into darker environments may be a bit difficult
2. Eschenbach 44691 3×25 Opera Binoculars
Stylish and very functional opera glasses, black and golden with a non-detachable chain and with a good field of view(approx. 325 ft) perfect for indoor shows. One of the best choices among opera enthusiasts, Eschenbach comes in a wide variety of colors to chose from.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 3x
- Objective lens size: 25mm
- Field of view: approx. 325ft
- Weight: 140g
- Accessories: Chain and black synthetic case included
Pros:
- Generous sized central focusing knob that makes it easy to use while wearing gloves
- Adjustable interpupillary distance
- Wide variety of colors to choose from
- Compact design, easy to carry in bag or around your neck.
- Very light, its usage will not inflict so much tiredness
- Presents top notch quality
Cons :
- A bit inconvenient to use in dark environments
- It is a little bit pricey
3. Kingscope 3X25 Vintage Opera Glasses Binoculars
If you are interested more in glasses appearances rather than using them Kingscope Vintage Opera Glasses Binoculars might be the perfect choice as they are mainly ornamental with a vintage design, yet they get their job done keeping their price low.
This product comes with a flexible handle, which is suitable even for left-handed, as it can flip 180 degrees.
Specifications:
- Interpupillary Distance (IPD): 58-70mm
- Focus Mode: Central focusing
- Net Weight: 160g(approx.)
- Magnification: 3x
- Objective Lens Diameter : 25mm
Package Included: 1 x Binocular, 1 x Cleaning Cloth, 1 x Soft Pouch, 1 x User Guide
Pros:
- Light weight, easy to carry
- Cheap price, affordable for everyone
- Suitable for left handed people and for kids
- Wide variety of colors to choose from
- Comes with chain or handle (buyers choice)
Cons:
- The handle feels lose sometimes
- More suitable as an accessory rather than professionals opera glasses
4. HQRP Opera Glasses
HQRP binoculars are a good choice for opera and theatre visits. They came with a foldable handle which can be retracted like a telescope to double its length. Also, the incorporated LED light makes them brilliant for low-light situations.
Specifications:
- Field of view: 105m
- Net Weight: 183g(approx.)
- Focus Mode: Central focusing
- Magnification: 3x
- Objective Lens Diameter : 25mm
Pros:
- They have only 184gr therefore they are lightweight
- Very cheap
- They have LED light incorporated, perfect for dark rooms
Cons:
- The field view it’s a bit narrow( up to 105 m)
- The lenses cannot be adjusted individually
5. Levenhuk Broadway 325N Opera Glasses
One of the most popular Galilean binoculars, based on customer reviews with fully-coated optics and with a LED light incorporated and available in 5 colors, ideal for theaters and opera.
Their metal design makes the look more expensive than they actually are.
Specifications:
- Galilean binoculars with fully multi-coated BaK-4 optics and metal body
- 3x magnification power; 25-mm objective lens
- Exit pupil diameter: 8.3mm
- Eye relief: 5mm
- Weight: 136g
- Relative brightness: 69.4
- Field of view: 6° / 327ft/1000yds
- Central focusing; close focus: 11.5ft
- Interpupillary distance (IPD): 55–70mm
- Dimensions: 13x9x6cm
Pros:
- You can get them either with a gold chain and no handle or with a handle and no chain
- There have a wide variety of colors to choose from
- You can use them as an accessory as well
Cons:
- Not the best image quality compared to other opera glasses
Kit includes:
- Levenhuk Broadway 325N Opera Glasses
- Pouch
- Sueded cleaning cloth
- 2 LR41 batteries
- User guide
6. Aomekie Opera Glasses Binoculars
Aomekie opera glasses are a great choice among females opera and theatre lovers. Its stylish design makes them a great accessory to wear on different events.
The expandable handle makes them easy to use while resting your arm. These binoculars can be a perfect gift for any woman that enjoys opera, ballet, theater and any other indoor shows.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 3x
- Objective Lens Diameter (Aperture): 25mm
- Interpupillary Distance (IPD): 58-70mm
- Focus Mode: Central focusing
- Net Weight: 0.38lb(approx.)
Package Included: 1 x Binocular, 1 x Cleaning Cloth, 1 x Soft Pouch
Pros:
- Nice heavy and durable construction
- Light-weight design that allows long time usage without getting your arms tired
- Easy to use, good choice as first opera glasses
- Great price, affordable for everyone
Cons:
- Telescoping arm may not stay as tight as expected
7. Professional Hands-Free Binocular Glasses
If you prefer a multi-use and hands-free glasses then this would be a great choice. Their modern design which includes adjustable arms and nose pads with only 3X magnification makes them great for indoor use as well as outdoor use.
Specifications:
- Magnification: 3X
- Objective Diameter: 34mm
- Interpupillary Distance: 58mm~74mm
- Material: Optics lens, FMC green film
- Focus System: Binocular single focusing
- Weight: 0.15lb
Package Contents:
- 1x Hands-free Binocular Glasses
- 1x Side Shades
- 1x Neck Strap
- 1x Extra Nose Piece
- 1x Ear Keepers
- 1x Cleaning Cloth
- 1x Carrying Case
Pros:
- Hands free design concept that makes them easy to use during long shows
- Adjustable nose pads for an increased comfortability
Cons:
- They are a bit pricey
- Not suitable for people that wear glasses
- Comes in only one color
- May seem a bit heavy
8. BARSKA Blueline Opera Glasses
A gorgeous antique design which comes with a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, with good clarity, these opera glasses are perfect for opera houses, theaters or even as a Steampunk accessory, moreover, they can be a perfect gift for the loves ones.
Specifications:
- 3X magnification
- 25-millimeter objective lens
- 344-foot field of view at 100 yards
- 11.5-foot close focus
- 8.3-millimeter exit pupil and eye relief
- 4.5-ounce weight
- Folding brushed metal handle extends up to five inches
- Roof prism with BK-7 glass
- Center focus system
- Fully coated optics
Package contains: leatherette storage pouch and lens cloth.
Pros:
- They look fancy
- Good magnification
Cons:
- Poor quality compared to other opera glasses
- Some customers notice that they are overpriced