Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
There are so many numbers and terms that come when searching for a good pair of opera glasses: objective lens diameter, real field of vision, magnification. What does it all mean? Let’s try to make everything a little clearer.
A common misconception is that higher magnification means clearer images. Actually, higher magnification will shrink your field of vision, and make the images more susceptible to shaky hands!
As a rule of thumb, go for something that magnifies up to 10 times or less. Anything more zooms you up way too close and is frankly frustrating to use, unless you can hold perfectly still.
When you go to the museum, magnification between 2 times or 4 times is fine. For small concert halls, like local theaters, try 3 times to 6 times magnification. For large concert halls with second or third level seating, get a pair of glasses that’ll magnify between 6 times to 10 times.
The bigger the objective lens, the more lighting you’ll get, but the less magnification. Finding the perfect balance is key. When it comes to opera glasses, try going for an objective lens with a diameter size between 20 and 28 millimeters.
A word of warning though - as the diameter of the objective lens gets bigger, so do the opera glasses. And if you get something too heavy, you’re arms are going to get tired during long concerts.
Something to keep in mind is that the higher the magnification, the smaller the field of vision. This makes sense since you’re zooming in closer.
Most opera glasses you have to hold up to your eyes, like binoculars. However, there are some that have a long handle, which means you only have to slightly raise your arm. Not only do these look classy, but they’re great for long nights at the opera.
If you wear glasses, get something with longer eye relief – because you don't want to be pushing the opera glasses up against the face.
If you want the opera glasses resting on the bridge of your nose, then look for a short eye relief.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Levenhuk Broadway 325N | $29.95 High Mid | Most Popular Option Based on Customer Reviews | ||
2 | Skygenius Small Compact Binoculars | $12.99 Low | Bird-Watchers That Work for the Stadium | ||
3 | Kingscope Vintage Opera Glasses | $16.99 Low Mid | Opera Glasses for High Fashion Events | ||
4 | Aomekie Opera Glasses | $20.99 Mid | A Practical Lorgnette That Just Works | ||
5 | Bushnell Compact Binoculars | $47.29 High | Wide-Angle View to See More of the Stage | ||
6 | HQRP Opera Glasses | $18.91 Mid | Beautiful Lorgnette With a LED Light | ||
7 | Merytes Portable HD and Blue Film Binoculars | $16.99 Low Mid | Clear and Vivid Images, Slim Binoculars | ||
8 | Life Story Compact Binoculars | $19.99 Mid | Crystal-Clear Compact Binoculars With 99% Light Transmission | ||
9 | BARSKA Blueline Opera Glasses | $29.75 High Mid | Gold Trim and a Limited Lifetime Warranty | ||
10 | Goeco Quick Focus Binoculars | $28.99 High Mid | 10x Magnification for the Great Outdoors |
Reviewers warn that batteries are hard to put in the glasses for the LED light - the screw is tiny and not obvious. Some of the build is plastic, and the field of view is narrower than some liked. However, most reviewers love the elegant design and that they work and are sturdy.
Reviewers say the eyepieces are too small and, due to the magnification, you have to hold them still and steadily to see clearly. On the other hand, reviewers like the compact size and how much detail they can spot through the binoculars.
The finish on these glasses is beautiful. It comes in a necklace style, so you don’t need to worry about them slipping from your fingers, and it has an objective lens diameter of 25 millimeters. And they magnify up to 3 times–another small playhouse type deal.
Reviewers say that adjusting the glasses is difficult. It's hard to change the focus just right, so you might miss some of the action. However, reviewers are happy with the design and how they are easy to use and store.
Reviewers say that the glasses aren't very magnifying, but most others find them to be the perfect size, functional, and practical.
These magnify up to 4 times, so they're perfect for medium-sized venues. For glasses wearers, you can fold down the eyecups to make them easier to use with correctives on. The objective lens diameter is about 30 millimeters, which means you'll be getting more lighting - but, you'll also be getting more weight and a bigger product.
They're also made for wide-viewing, so you'll be seeing more of the performance and feeling more immersed in the action. It's auto-focus, so you won't need to adjust them, either.
Reviewers warn that, with glasses, you tend to lose more of the wide-angle view, since there is some distance between you and the binoculars. On the other hand, many reviewers say these glasses are durable and they love the wide field of view.
It's perfect more for outdoor stadiums and big sporting events. It does get out of focus rather easily, but reviewers generally like that it renders crisp colors and is compact.
Reviewers find them, upon arrival, to have a chemical smell to them. However, for the most part, they find them perfect for smaller children. They fit easily in a pocket and magnify extremely well.
Reviewers mention that the lenses are far apart, so you might be seeing double at some points. However, most agree that these glasses are classy, functional, and portable.
Though the magnification is advertised as 10 times, reviewers say the actual magnification is about half of that - which is actually better for shows, as it'll be easier to focus. the lens. On the other hand, reviewers love how high quality these binoculars are and say they show super clear images.
There are plenty of other types of glasses out there that are used for different purposes. Sunglasses to protect your eyes from strong sunlight and blue light glasses to prevent your eyes from tiring out while working on the computer are just a few kinds. If you're looking for other useful glasses, check out some of our other buying guides.
No. 1: Levenhuk|Broadway 325N
No. 2: Skygenius|Small Compact Binoculars
No. 3: Kingscope|Vintage Opera Glasses
No. 4: Aomekie|Opera Glasses
No. 5: Bushnell|Compact Binoculars
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Home goods
Home electronics
PC
Camera
Beauty
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen
Fashion
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior
Hobbies
Outdoor
Home, garden, and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Media
Games
Apps
Automotive
Gifts
Mobile devices