Opera glasses

Opera glasses, also known as theater binoculars or Galilean binoculars, are compact, low-power optical magnification devices, usually used at performance events, whose name is derived from traditional use of binoculars at opera performances. Magnification power below 5× is usually desired in these circumstances in order to minimize image shake and maintain a large enough field of view.[1] A magnification of 3× is normally recommended. The design of many modern opera glasses of the ornamental variety is based on the popular lorgnettes of the 19th century.

Mother of pearl opera glasses and leather case.

See also

• London Opera Glass Company
• Monocular
• Spotting scope

References

1. "How to Choose Opera Glasses". Archived from the original on 8 May 2016. Retrieved 24 April 2016.

External links

• Chambers's Encyclopaedia: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, Volume 7
• The Opticalia Museum Opera Glasses
• The Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 11
• The History of Opera Glasses