Meet Rebecca

Please welcome the newest face of FineOperaGlasses.com.  Rebecca Valdivia Perry loves playing great music and the performing arts.  This talented performer is 'fluent' in several musical instruments--most notably trumpet, piano & voice (What a range!).  She is a lovely and beloved woman whose life-changing influence is felt far and wide--from Guatemala to Peru to small town Utah.  She plans on continuing her hands-on musical & teaching influence as she currently studies for a degree in Music Education at Brigham Young University.

She shares life with her biggest fan--her husband, Jake Perry.

Rebecca models the Traditional model of Finissimo brand opera glasses.  The color is Champagne.  Find these, and more, at FineOperaGlasses.com.

We finally did it!

We finally did it!

We have been working on complementing our products by adding full-size sport binoculars to our product portfolio.  We have been evaluating various models and have finally come up with a product offering that makes sense--budget wise and quality wise.

Levenhuk is a relatively-new brand that sells high-quality telescopes and binoculars.  Monaco is their high-end line.  We compared to some familiar brands and found the Monaco to be equivalent value, but more affordable.  Expect to pay 50% more for comparable quality.

These binoculars are ideal for bird watching, camping, and just about anything outdoors.  We take these with us on hikes on the local mountain trails.  You can use these for just about anything outdoors and, with high Relative Brightness Index and Twilight Factor, they are suitable for low-light conditions and even indoor events.

See our offering at http://www.FineOperaGlasses.com/sport-binoculars/.

What Style of Opera Glasses Glasses are Best for Christmas?

So many people visit the website www.FineOperaGlasses.com as part of their Christmas shopping. After seeing the 37 varieties of styles and colors they often call for help choosing something that their loved ones will truly cherish.  Well...I don't mind these calls at bit.  This is the best part of the job.

See the link to the article below for a quick review of opera glasses styles and see which model would be best under the tree this Christmas.

Opera Glasses Styles - Which is Right for You?

Happy Thanksgiving to all who love the fine arts!

Happy Thanksgiving to all who love the fine arts! Take a moment to reflect on life's bounty and all the blessings we have received. The gift of music and visual arts are a blessing to all of us. Those who appreciate this gift see the vibrant nature of life and the beauty that this wonderful world gives us.

Here at FineOperaGlasses.com, we appreciate the artists who bring color and life to our lives. Help bring more of it to your loved ones this holiday season.  Our binoculars are designed specifically for stage productions and make the perfect gift for the theatre afficionado.

Art patrons will love you for shopping here.

The History of Opera

Opera began more than four centuries ago in Italy. Whether you are not familiar with this spectacular form of entertainment, or whether you have enjoyed opera for many years, it should be easy to understand why its popularity has held fast for so long. It is simply one of the finest forms of entertainment anywhere. 

Jacopo Peri, creator of “Dafne,” is considered to be the creator of opera.  His opera “Euridice” is the oldest known opera to still be in existence.  Shortly thereafter, opera began to spread throughout Europe.  France, England, and Germany each produced their own special style of opera.  However, although these other countries’ operatic contributions were well-received, Italian opera held its place as the favored form of opera, both in centuries past and today.

While English-language opera began in England during the 17^th century, it is quite popular in the United States.  While many people appreciated it  because it removed the language barrier and made it easy to understand, others simply preferred it.  Some of the English-language operas were translations, while others were originally written in English.  American composers such as Gershwin and Bernstein were among the many  who composed popular English-language operas. 

Opera is a favored form of entertainment for many reasons.  It is exciting and dramatic.  Both the music and vocals of good opera are stunningly beautiful.  Many people in the United States are as familiar with today’s operatic performers as their other favorite musical performers.

Opera binoculars are the best way to gain the most from your opera experiences.  Whether you are making the opera a special treat, or whether you attend on a regular basis, opera glasses will help you to see everything clearly.  A set of opera glasses will make the difference between enjoying the performance and missing it. 

If you love the tradition of the opera, you do not want to risk missing anything.  All of the great performances will come to life when you do not have to strain to see them clearly.  Whether you prefer the operas which were originally created centuries ago, or your taste is for modern opera, opera glasses will make each experience a true delight.  Each one is one you will long remember.  

Browse Opera Glasses Today!

by Davin Perkins

What is the difference between opera glasses & binoculars?

What is the difference between ‘opera glasses’ and ‘binoculars’?  It depends on how close you look.  Opera glasses are binoculars—but very specialized binoculars.  This brief synopsis describes what sets opera glasses (aka: opera binoculars, theatre binoculars, theatre glasses) apart from the more-common binoculars.

Purpose of opera glasses: Opera glasses are designed specifically to be used in indoor settings and viewing theatrical performances, such as opera, ballet, musical theatre, and musical performances. Fine arts patrons use the glasses to see the fine details and facial expressions often missed by the audience.  Opera glasses have also been used as a status symbol throughout the ages.	Purpose of regular binoculars: ‘Regular’ binoculars can be used for just about anything.  Typical uses are outdoor related, such as camping, bird watching, hunting, viewing sporting events and observing nature.
Magnification of opera glasses: The dominant magnification is 3x.  Some have a magnification of 4x.  5x is not common. Why such low magnification?  3x magnification is preferred because it allows the viewer to see a wider view of the stage—close enough to see the details, but not so close as to miss the big picture. As magnification increases, field of view decreases.  For example, at 1000 yards, 3x opera glasses give a field of view is 385 ft.  4x opera glasses show 228 ft and 8x show only 126 ft.	Magnification of regular binoculars: Typical binoculars have magnification ranging from 8x to 12+.  Magnification varies depending on their intended use.  Zoom binoculars allow you to zoom from weaker to stronger magnification. Higher magnifications show much more detail, yet with a smaller field of view and a less-bright image.  One drawback to higher magnification is the shakiness in the viewed image.
Opera glasses design: Opera glasses are designed to be small—small enough to fit easily into a pocket or purse. Opera glasses have roof prisms—meaning the prisms are lined up in a single barrel for each eye.  This is what gives them the chic, streamlined look and compact size. Opera glasses have a single focus wheel to focus both eyes simultaneously. Opera glasses are designed to give a brighter image then regular binoculars.  This is because the objective lens diameter (the lens pointed away) is significantly greater than the eyepiece lens, usually relatively small.  This brighter image is desirable in a darkened theatre. Opera glasses have multiple optional attachments & styles.	Regular binocular design: Non-opera binoculars are much larger because of the larger lenses and prisms.  Weight and size are not usually as much as a concern. Binoculars can be either Roof design (prisms aligned in a straight housing) or Porro design (prisms are offset), which are larger.  Binoculars can be compact and 8x are often nearly as small as opera glasses.  Most are usually much larger and heavier than opera binoculars. Regular binoculars often have a focus diopter ring for the right eye and a central focus wheel on the center hinge to adjust focus for both eyes.  The purpose of the two focus mechanisms is to adjust for astigmatism and differences between each eye. Because they are not designed for use in theatres, regular binoculars are usually not the best choice in a dark theatre.
Opera glasses styles / attachments: Opera glasses can be purchased in the following styles: ·       Traditional – This is the original, basic model and the least expensive. ·         Lorgnette handle – The lorgnette handle allows you to hold the opera glasses to your eyes while comfortably resting your elbow at your side or on the arm rest.  It telescopes to varying lengths and conveniently folds over top of the glasses when the show is over. ·         Chain – The chain allows you to hang the glasses around your neck when you are not using them.  This is very useful and safe, letting you move around without worrying about losing the glasses or dropping them on the floor. ·         LED light – The light is a small, narrowly-focused red light located on the center hinge.  Its purpose is to let you read the playbill or program during the performance.	Regular binocular attachments: Regular binoculars are likely to come with a strap to hang around your neck.  For extensive field viewing, nice over-the-shoulder straps give security and convenience of keeping the binoculars in a handy, accessible position.
Opera glasses prices: Opera glasses are very affordable, considering their high quality.  Normal retail prices range from $50-200.	Binoculars prices: Binocular prices vary widely, ranging from under $50 for compact glasses to over $3,000 for the highest-quality.   Expect to pay around $150-200 for your common camping binoculars.

A great pair of binoculars, whether specialized for theatre or outdoor use, can really enhance your experience and make it more vivid and memorable. 

Compact sport binoculars now available!

I remember going to concerts at the Hollywood Bowl.  Awesome venue, but most seats are too far back for even our awesome 3x25 magnification opera glasses.  And who wants to lug around massive camping binoculars?

Well, we have provided a solution.  We now stock 8x21 magnification binoculars that are perfect for larger venues and outdoor events.  The 8x magnification gets you so much closer to the action than you can get with regular 3x and 4x opera glasses.  Another cool thing is that they fold and can easily fit inside your pocket.  They are barely larger than traditional opera glasses.

Not to be limited to the fine arts, these compact binoculars are just right for sporting events, camping, and just about any outdoor recreation.

These are really good!  You have got to try these.  The clarity is great and they are very light and versatile.  They are priced to move quickly this holiday season.  And of course, our amazing guarantee applies to our compact sport binoculars, as well.

Visit www.FineOperaGlasses.com for the the best opera (and sport) glasses at the lowest prices and best guarantee.  With us, no matter where your seat it, you'll always have the best seat in the house.