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Opera GlassesHelping You Find the Best
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Opera GlassesHelping You Find the Best
  • 10 Best Opera Glasses of 2024 1
  • 10 Best Opera Glasses of 2024 2
  • 10 Best Opera Glasses of 2024 3
  • 10 Best Opera Glasses of 2024 4
  • 10 Best Opera Glasses of 2024 5

10 Best Opera Glasses of 2024

Opera glasses, those small, compact binoculars often seen at performances, can significantly enhance your viewing experience. Whether you’re already an aficionado or a casual theatergoer, a good pair of opera glasses can help you appreciate the nuances of the stage, the intricate details of costumes, and the subtle expressions of the actors without straining your eyes. That being said, choosing the right pair can be easier said than done. 

Our buying guide will cover the essential factors to remember when choosing the perfect pair for your night at the opera. We'll also introduce our pick of 10 of the best-selling opera glasses available on Amazon to help you in your search.

Last updated 10/22/2024

Quick List - Top Opera Glasses

1

Wefgdsth

Opera Glasses
Opera Glasses

Simple Opera Glasses with a Lorgnette

2

Kenko

Pliant 3x25 Slim
Pliant 3x25 Slim

Collapsable Opera Glasses

3

Villcase

Opera Glasses
Opera Glasses

Opera Glasses with a Rope Chain and Anti-Reflective Lens Coating

4

ESSLNB

Opera Glasses
Opera Glasses

Larger, More Powerful Opera Glasses

5

Barska

3x25 Blueline Opera Glass
3x25 Blueline Opera Glass

Opera Glasses With a Programme Light

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Table of Contents

How Do Opera Glasses Differ From Binoculars?

How Do Opera Glasses Differ From Binoculars?
Opera glasses operate the same way as conventional binoculars but are intended for a different setting. While standard binoculars are used outdoors to view things at various distances, opera glasses are intended for a more specific set of lighting conditions and ranges, namely those present during theatrical and opera performances. Furthermore, the aesthetics of opera classes are more refined to fit the attire typical of people attending the opera.
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How to Choose Opera Glasses

Let’s examine the different features of opera glasses and focus on their applications. From magnification and field of view to comfort and style, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision and elevate your enjoyment of live performances.

1

Consider the Lenses

The most critical aspect of opera glasses is the lenses themselves. In some ways, the rest of the glasses only exist to facilitate the use of the lenses.

Look for 25MM Lenses or Larger for the Optimal View

Look for 25MM Lenses or Larger for the Optimal View
The size of the objective lens impacts two significant parts of your viewing experience: the brightness of the image and your field of vision. For both, a good rule of thumb is to avoid lenses smaller than 25mm (about 1”) because of their low light transmittance and narrow field of view.

While the stage is brightly illuminated, audience seating is typically noticeably darker when watching an opera or play. Thus, maximum ambient light is essential for a bright, visible picture.

While regular binoculars are typically used to view a specified target, such as a landmark or bird, opera glasses are used to view the entire stage simultaneously. Therefore, lenses designed to give a wider range of view are preferable. 

Look for Glass Lenses With Anti-Glare Treatments

Look for Glass Lenses With Anti-Glare Treatments
Lenses are made from various materials, each with its specific properties. Glass lenses tend to be the most optically clear. Given the aforementioned lighting conditions, any additional sources of light have the potential to create reflections on your lenses. To mitigate interruptions to your viewing experience, look for a lens treated to reduce glare.
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2

Consider the Focus System

Another critical aspect of getting the best viewing experience through your opera glasses is how well they focus.

Look for a Center Focus for Fine-Tuning

Look for a Center Focus for Fine-Tuning
Source：amazon.com

The most common way to adjust the focus on a pair of opera glasses is to use the center focus mechanism to fine-tune the distance between the objective and ocular lenses, much like a pair of conventional binoculars.

Look for Opera Glasses Without a Focusing System for Convenience

Look for Opera Glasses Without a Focusing System for Convenience
Source：amazon.com
Rather than being adjustable, some opera glasses take a "one size fits most" approach. While this may not give everyone the best optical results under every condition, fixed focus can allow for quicker picture acquisition.
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3

Consider the Ergonomics

Since you'll probably be using your opera glasses for prolonged periods of time (especially the Wagner fans among us), it's essential to consider how comfortable they are to use.

Look For a Lorgnette to Make Them Easy to Hold

Look For a Lorgnette to Make Them Easy to Hold
One of the most visually famous aspects of opera glasses is the lorgnette, the long, vertical handle extending out of one side. While it does add some weight, it also reduces the angle at which the elbow is required to bend to look through the glasses. By allowing the user's body to remain in a more neutral position, the lorgnette thus increases comfort and minimizes fatigue.

Look for Glasses With a Folding Bridge for Better Eye Alignment

Look for Glasses With a Folding Bridge for Better Eye Alignment
Source：amazon.com

To ensure the center of the lenses is positioned over your eyes, look for opera glasses with a hinged bridge, which allows you to adjust the distance between the lenses.

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4

Choose Opera Glasses With a Programme Light to Help You See in a Dark Theater

Choose Opera Glasses With a Programme Light to Help You See in a Dark Theater
Source：amazon.com

The programme light is a small red light built into a pair of opera glasses. It tends to be bright enough to read the programme or navigate through the aisles but dim enough to avoid disturbing others in the audience. Red is used for low-light scenarios because its longer wavelength won’t cause your eyes to lose their acclimation to the dark.

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5

Look for a Carrying Case to Protect Your Investment

Look for a Carrying Case to Protect Your Investment
Source：amazon.com
While many pairs of opera glasses come with carrying bags, a better-fitting case that offers more protection will help ensure that your opera glasses remain clean and in working order. Look for a case with rigidity for protection against impacts, and one sized explicitly for the glasses inside.
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10 Best Opera Glasses Ranking

We have compiled our top 10 list from among the best-selling opera glasses on sites like Amazon. With a variety of magnifications and ergonomic options, there’s sure to be something that will pique your interest.
Popularity
Filter
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
Details
Objective Lens
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens Material
Focus Type
Features for Comfort
Programme Light
Case
Magnification
Weight
Chain
1

Wefgdsth

Opera Glasses

Wefgdsth Opera Glasses 1

Simple Opera Glasses with a Lorgnette

25mm

Glass

Center Focus

Lorgnette、Folding Bridge

3x

181.4 grams

2

Kenko

Pliant 3x25 Slim

Kenko Pliant 3x25 Slim 1

Collapsable Opera Glasses

25mm

Glass

unknown

3x

65 grams

3

Villcase

Opera Glasses

Villcase Opera Glasses 1

Opera Glasses with a Rope Chain and Anti-Reflective Lens Coating

25mm

Glass

Center Focus

Folding Bridge

3x

156 grams

4

ESSLNB

Opera Glasses

ESSLNB Opera Glasses 1

Larger, More Powerful Opera Glasses

30mm

Glass

Center Focus

Folding Bridge

Carrying Bag

4x

294.8 grams

5

Barska

3x25 Blueline Opera Glass

Barska 3x25 Blueline Opera Glass 1

Opera Glasses With a Programme Light

25mm

Glass

Fixed Focus

Folding Bridge

Carrying Bag

3x

153 grams

6

Liecho

Opera Glasses with Handle

Liecho Opera Glasses with Handle 1

Classic Style With a Chain and Lorgnette

25mm

Glass

Center Focus

Lorgnette、Folding Bridge

3x

229.6 grams

7

iplusmile

Opera Glasses

iplusmile Opera Glasses 1

Lightweight Opera Glasses With 3x Magnification and Gold Chain

25mm

unknown

Center Focus

Folding Bridge

3x

158.7 grams

8

Sugra Art

Opera Glasses

Sugra Art Opera Glasses 1

Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses with 5x magnification

unknown

Glass

Center Focus

Lorgnette

5x

190 grams

9

Genius Antique Handicrafts

Brass Binoculars Opera Glasses

Genius Antique Handicrafts Brass Binoculars Opera Glasses 1

Brass Opera Glasses With Abalone Decoration

25mm

unknown

Center Focus

Lorgnette、Folding Bridge

Hard/Rigid Case

3x

328.8 grams

10

Eschenbach

44691 3x25 opera binoculars

Eschenbach 44691 3x25 opera binoculars 1

Opera Glasses From a Brand With Some History

25mm

unknown

Center Focus

Folding Bridge

3x

136 grams

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Wefgdsth
Opera Glasses

Opera Glasses 1
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$28.94
Mid
Lowest price
$28.94
Mid
Objective Lens25mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens MaterialGlass
Features for Comfort
Lorgnette、Folding Bridge
Programme Light
Case

Simple Opera Glasses with a Lorgnette

This pair of opera glasses features an extendable lorgnette for easier use over prolonged periods. It also features a 25mm glass objective lens and 3x fixed magnification. Customers are generally satisfied with the viewing clarity of these glasses and tend to appreciate their clean, stylish aesthetics.
Focus TypeCenter Focus
Magnification3x
Weight181.4 grams
Chain
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No.2

Kenko
Pliant 3x25 Slim

Pliant 3x25 Slim 1
Source：amazon.com
Pliant 3x25 Slim 2
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$11.36
Low
Lowest price
$11.36
Low
Objective Lens25mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens MaterialGlass
Features for Comfort
Programme Light
Case

Collapsable Opera Glasses

A rather unique entry on this list, these Keneko opera glasses fold down to a much slimmer shape when not in use. The folding mechanism has the additional benefit of protecting the glass lenses. Despite the compactness, this pair of opera glasses features the same 3x magnification and 25mm objective lenses as many others on this list. However, it doesn’t have a particularly traditional appearance. Customers praise the innovative design and the magnification when used at shorter distances. 
Focus Typeunknown
Magnification3x
Weight65 grams
Chain
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No.3

Villcase
Opera Glasses

Opera Glasses 1
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$20.99
Low Mid
Lowest price
$20.99
Low Mid
Objective Lens25mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens MaterialGlass
Features for Comfort
Folding Bridge
Programme Light
Case

Opera Glasses with a Rope Chain and Anti-Reflective Lens Coating

This pair of opera glasses from Villcase returns to the standard form factor on this list. Rather than a lorgnette, these glasses feature a centrally attached rope chain from which you can hang them when not in use. Customer reviews mention enjoying the magnification level and the glasses' overall appearance. The lenses also feature an anti-reflective treatment to reduce glare and improve visual clarity. 
Focus TypeCenter Focus
Magnification3x
Weight156 grams
Chain
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No.4

ESSLNB
Opera Glasses

Opera Glasses 1
Source：amazon.com
Opera Glasses 2
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$41.99
High Mid
Lowest price
$41.99
High Mid
Objective Lens30mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens MaterialGlass
Features for Comfort
Folding Bridge
Programme Light
Case
Carrying Bag

Larger, More Powerful Opera Glasses

This pair of opera glasses features 4x magnification and 30mm objective lenses. The increased lens size allows for improved light transmission and, thus, a brighter picture. Coinciding with their enhanced optics, these glasses feature a fuller, bolder appearance than many of the others on this list, something customers have tended to enjoy alongside their solid feel. They also feature a gold chain to secure them and a lightweight carrying bag to protect them from scratches. 
Focus TypeCenter Focus
Magnification4x
Weight294.8 grams
Chain
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No.5

Barska
3x25 Blueline Opera Glass

3x25 Blueline Opera Glass 1
Source：amazon.com
3x25 Blueline Opera Glass 2
Source：amazon.com
3x25 Blueline Opera Glass 3
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$43.43
Lowest price
$43.43
Objective Lens25mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens MaterialGlass
Features for Comfort
Folding Bridge
Programme Light
Case
Carrying Bag

Opera Glasses With a Programme Light

With 3x magnification, 25mm objective lenses, and traditional aesthetics, you may think these Barska opera glasses are just another pair with the same features. But that assumption overlooks that this is the only widely available pair with a programme light, a red LED built into the glasses for reading theater programmes and guiding oneself through dimly lit venues without disturbing other patrons. As this is a fixed focus model, some customers praised it for allowing quick picture acquisition, specifically those who preferred to avoid glasses with a manual focus adjustment.
Focus TypeFixed Focus
Magnification3x
Weight153 grams
Chain
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No.6

Liecho
Opera Glasses with Handle

Opera Glasses with Handle 1
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$28.99
Mid
Lowest price
$28.99
Mid
Objective Lens25mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens MaterialGlass
Features for Comfort
Lorgnette、Folding Bridge
Programme Light
Case

Classic Style With a Chain and Lorgnette

These opera glasses feature an aluminum body, uncoated glass lenses, and 3x magnification, which is standard for products in this market segment. What sets the Liecho glasses apart from their competitors is having a lorgnette and a chain for extra security. Customers generally enjoy the appearance of the glasses, but some mention having trouble focusing them at times.

Focus TypeCenter Focus
Magnification3x
Weight229.6 grams
Chain
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No.7

iplusmile
Opera Glasses

Opera Glasses 1
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$30.09
Mid
Lowest price
$30.09
Mid
Objective Lens25mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens Materialunknown
Features for Comfort
Folding Bridge
Programme Light
Case

Lightweight Opera Glasses With 3x Magnification and Gold Chain

The iplusmile Opera Glasses feature a 3x magnification and 25mm objective lenses, providing a closer view of stage performances. Made from aluminum alloy, they are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry in a handbag or pocket. The included gold chain allows users to wear the glasses around the neck for convenience and style. The lenses are designed with optical coatings to enhance light transmission, offering clearer visuals and better color reproduction even in dim lighting. Suitable for use at concerts, theaters, and other live events, these glasses provide a straightforward way to enhance your viewing experience.
Focus TypeCenter Focus
Magnification3x
Weight158.7 grams
Chain
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No.8

Sugra Art
Opera Glasses

Opera Glasses 1
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$24.99
Mid
Lowest price
$24.99
Mid
Objective Lensunknown
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens MaterialGlass
Features for Comfort
Lorgnette
Programme Light
Case

Mother of Pearl Opera Glasses with 5x magnification

The first thing you’ll notice about these opera glasses is how much is covered in mother of pearl. These glasses also feature 5x magnification, 40% more than the average product on this list, glass lenses, central focus adjustment, and a lorgnette with a mother or pearl handle. Unfortunately, the bridge is not adjustable. 
Focus TypeCenter Focus
Magnification5x
Weight190 grams
Chain
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No.9

Genius Antique Handicrafts
Brass Binoculars Opera Glasses

Brass Binoculars Opera Glasses 1
Source：amazon.com
Brass Binoculars Opera Glasses 2
Source：amazon.com
Lowest price
$55.99
High
Lowest price
$55.99
High
Objective Lens25mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens Materialunknown
Features for Comfort
Lorgnette、Folding Bridge
Programme Light
Case
Hard/Rigid Case

Brass Opera Glasses With Abalone Decoration

These opera glasses from Genus Antique Handicrafts feature brass construction and abalone decoration on the body and lorgnette. They feature the standard 25mm objective lenses and 3x magnification, which results in a 40-50m field of view. This pair comes with a leather carrying case rather than the cloth bag accompanying most other opera glasses at this price point. Despite their exquisite looks, some customers were less than satisfied with their results looking through these glasses. 
Focus TypeCenter Focus
Magnification3x
Weight328.8 grams
Chain
Report Issue with Content
No.10

Eschenbach
44691 3x25 opera binoculars

44691 3x25 opera binoculars 1
Source：amazon.com
44691 3x25 opera binoculars 2
Source：amazon.com
Objective Lens25mm
Anti-Glare Treatment
Lens Materialunknown
Features for Comfort
Folding Bridge
Programme Light
Case

Opera Glasses From a Brand With Some History

Eschenbach was founded in 1913, and these glasses' classical aesthetics would fit in at any time during the company’s history. Featuring the typical 25mm objective lenses and 3x magnification, they weigh in at 154g. While the absence of a lorgnette may detract from the ergonomics for some people, the reviewers are overall quite pleased with these glasses' optical clarity and magnification.
Focus TypeCenter Focus
Magnification3x
Weight136 grams
Chain
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A Note on Magnification

A Note on Magnification

Opera Glasses usually feature lower magnification levels than conventional binoculars for several reasons.


Binoculars are typically used at a wider range of distances and to view smaller areas. Conversely, opera glasses are used to view the entirety of a performance or stage from distances no farther than the opposite side of the theater. Thus, conventional binoculars prioritize magnification, while opera glasses prioritize the field of view.


Additionally, it should be noted that since opera glasses are often used for the duration of performance, they tend to eschew variable magnification in favor of reduced size and weight.

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Top 5 Opera Glasses

No. 1: Wefgdsth｜Opera Glasses

No. 2: Kenko｜Pliant 3x25 Slim

No. 3: Villcase｜Opera Glasses

No. 4: ESSLNB｜Opera Glasses

No. 5: Barska｜3x25 Blueline Opera Glass

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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