I’m in the market for a good pair of glasses. Having taken a few pair to theater events/opera before, I think I’m on my way to whittling down the field, but would appreciate help from more knowledgable folks.
While those fancy opera glasses mounted on a viewing stick (“arm”) have a nice upscale look, I doubt their optics are that stellar. Most magnify images only 4 times, which isn’t much.
Generally, the following is what I think makes the best theater binoculars. (Feel free to quibble):
Magnifies image 7-8 X. Compact and lightweight. Black in color. Clear image, even on periphery. Brightness of image should be decent, but b/c the stage is well lit, this isn’t critical. BTW, I don’t wear eyeglasses.
Field of view is absoultely critical. I think a super-wide angle view is best, to avoid missing action away from center stage.
This linked pair fits of Nikons many of the requirements, but the rock-bottom price makes me wonder.
http://www.andale.com/stores/sf_itemHome.jsp?cid=20483865&lid=132766914&mode=1