Devices to improve eyesight in general have been around for hundreds of years. It was not until the 1800's that opera glasses achieved their position as a status symbol among theater-goers of the day.
Opera was becoming an increasingly popular social event. But not everyone was able to afford the high prices for seats with a close view of the stage. To get a good view of what was happening on stage it became necessary to find a compact way of magnifying it. Scientists found a way to combine telescopic lenses with stereoscopic prisms and invented a method by which a clear three dimensional view of the stage was available.
Like many other accessories, opera glasses quickly became status symbols. They were used by members of high society to view what was happening in the audience as well as what was on stage. Often it was normal to spend much of the evening scanning the crowds as being seen was just as important as seeing a performance itself.
Because they rapidly became status symbols and signs of wealth, opera glasses rapidly became very ornamented. They were often made of valuable materials and featured gold, painted enamel and expensive inlay work. There were different styles of opera glasses. They ranged from the familiar lorgnette version with one handle to a compact folding version that would fit will into a handbag or a pocket.
There are a number of places where you can find and purchase opera glasses. They still come in a range of different models and prices can range from the very reasonable to the extremely expensive. You may need to look a bit to find ones that fit your needs and your budget. Good starting places include camera stores and some Internet sites.
Before you decide which style you want you should make sure that the magnification factor is correct. You want to make sure that they are fairly low powered. High levels of magnification are best for binoculars and telescopic camera lenses. Most experts agree that you should look for a 3x magnification factor. You should stay away from a magnification factor of 5x or higher.
The actual style you choose is a matter of preference. Do you like the traditional look of the lorgnette? Are you interested in a style which folds down very small? You can also look at the accessories that are out there including straps and carrying pouches.
If visibility at concerts and plays is important to you, you should consider a pair of opera glasses. They are so much more than simply outdated viewing devices. They can find a way to make any stage performance you view clearer and much more rewarding.
Opera was becoming an increasingly popular social event. But not everyone was able to afford the high prices for seats with a close view of the stage. To get a good view of what was happening on stage it became necessary to find a compact way of magnifying it. Scientists found a way to combine telescopic lenses with stereoscopic prisms and invented a method by which a clear three dimensional view of the stage was available.
Like many other accessories, opera glasses quickly became status symbols. They were used by members of high society to view what was happening in the audience as well as what was on stage. Often it was normal to spend much of the evening scanning the crowds as being seen was just as important as seeing a performance itself.
Because they rapidly became status symbols and signs of wealth, opera glasses rapidly became very ornamented. They were often made of valuable materials and featured gold, painted enamel and expensive inlay work. There were different styles of opera glasses. They ranged from the familiar lorgnette version with one handle to a compact folding version that would fit will into a handbag or a pocket.
There are a number of places where you can find and purchase opera glasses. They still come in a range of different models and prices can range from the very reasonable to the extremely expensive. You may need to look a bit to find ones that fit your needs and your budget. Good starting places include camera stores and some Internet sites.
Before you decide which style you want you should make sure that the magnification factor is correct. You want to make sure that they are fairly low powered. High levels of magnification are best for binoculars and telescopic camera lenses. Most experts agree that you should look for a 3x magnification factor. You should stay away from a magnification factor of 5x or higher.
The actual style you choose is a matter of preference. Do you like the traditional look of the lorgnette? Are you interested in a style which folds down very small? You can also look at the accessories that are out there including straps and carrying pouches.
If visibility at concerts and plays is important to you, you should consider a pair of opera glasses. They are so much more than simply outdated viewing devices. They can find a way to make any stage performance you view clearer and much more rewarding.
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Before you attend any performance make sure that you have a good pair of opera glasses. Here you can check out Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!
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