Unlike
binoculars, which are a pair of matched, folded terrestrial telescopes,
opera glasses use Galilean optics with a simple convex objective and a simple concave eyepiece. This allows the device to produce an upright image with a very short length. The bad news is that this primitive optical system is not capable of high image quality. In other words,
opera glasses are more about style, than performance. This does not mean you have to settle for marginal optics when you spend a night at the opera. Nearly any
compact binocular, between 6x and 8x, will do a nice job at the opera and provide significantly better image quality. In fact, if you really want elegance and class, plus the best in optical performance, you can always opt for the superb Swarovski Crystal Pocket binoculars. I adore my Swarovski Nabucco and it is now a veteran of several operas, here at the Chicago Lyric Opera. Always strikes me as odd to see women in $1000 dresses with enough diamonds around their neck to buy a car with nothing more than a cheap binocular around their neck. Elegance and style are, as always, a matter of perception.