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Friday, December 25, 2009

Opera Glasses, A Excellent Method To See All The Action On Stage From Far Away

By Jeff Bridges

Opera Glasses are somewhat like binoculars except that they are for seeing stage performances. The opera houses of yesterday had seats that were free or cheaper for people but they were far away from the stage up on balconies. The stage was so distant that one could only see the figures moving around on stage. Props were nonexistent and seeing the singer or actors face was impossible. Opera glasses would make it a little easier for those sitting in the cheap seats to see what was happening on stage and see what the actors actually looked like. Opera glasses have been in use 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.

You can purchase opera glasses easily these days. You can get an inexpensive model for about $50 to $100 US dollars but there are those with better optics are much more expensive. Expensive models will be more stylish as well. Antique opera glasses are often much more expensive merely because they are antique and most often much more ornate. Try them out to make sure they give you the magnification you need and are still in operating order.

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.

Binoculars differ from opera glasses in magnification. The system used in opera glasses is a simple system whereas that used in binoculars is quite extensive. The system used in opera glasses is based on the simple system invented by Galileo called the Galilean optical system. The images will not be as sharp with opera glasses but you can still see most of what you need to on the stage

China is the biggest exporter of opera glasses today. Most modern opera glasses have a 3 X magnification that works well in concert halls and auditoriums. There are some that actually go up to 5 X but they cost much more money. Some glasses focus and others don't. The ones that do not focus usually have a small LED light situated between the barrels for the eye. This is a nice feature to allow you to read the program in limited light without disturbing anyone around you. People with good vision can use these but those who do not should look into the focus type. You can use these with or without glasses or contacts and still be able to see. The focus type will not have this as the focus knob is located between the barrels and there is no room.

Most opera glasses come in a case and especially the antique variety. Some are soft cloth cases and some are hard lined with velvet. Vintage glasses are made of ivory, enamel that was heavily cloisonne?and they might have gems on them or be edged in gold. They were elegant yet supposed to be unobtrusive. Vintage and modern opera glasses make a wonderful gift for those that go to the theater, opera or ballet on a regular basis.

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