Opera glasses/binoculars?

[KylieS]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 7:08pm

So I want to go to the Broadway Backwards concert on Feb 7 but all I can afford are balcony seats, and I've no guarantee they won't be way back at the rear. I've never owned opera glasses or binoculars suitable for use in a theater, but I've never needed them (we usually get decent seats via TKTS). Does anybody have any recommendations? Are they worth buying at all? If so, what sort? Would those snooty-looking opera-glasses-on-a-stick that look like they should belong to Frasier and Niles Crane work okay, or is the stick thing a hassle and I should just resign myself to looking like a birdwatcher? ...I think I might have just insulted everyone who might be able to help me. No offense meant, I want them myself! Any advice?

[darquegk]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 7:18pm

No one can stop you from using Frasier Crane style opera glasses. However, that's an accessory that you must dress to the calibre of or risk looking ridiculous. Top hat and tuxedo, or gown with train will be required.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 7:27pm

I got some binoculars in college because my art history professor advised never to visit Europe without them. If my seat is going to be far back, I sometimes take them just in case. The only time I have pulled them out was the first time I saw "Promises, Promises" because I was in the rear mezz and wanted to see Kristin Chenoweth up a little closer. It was a good show to use them because her songs were mostly stand center-stage and sing, so I didn't have to follow her around. I felt kind of like a tool using them, but I don't judge others for using them (unless we're in the orchestra or something). If it's gonna help you see better, don't worry what other people think. Opera glasses may look a little snootier, but they'd be easier to hold up without possibly elbowing your neighbor. I wouldn't know where to find opera glasses though.

Where is Broadway Backwards again? Maybe someone can offer advice based on what the view will be like from the seats.

[dragonlp86]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 7:31pm

It's at the Longacre Theatre, apparently.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 7:32pm

People say that balcony is high, but close, so you probably won't need either binoculars or opera glasses.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 7:35pm

You can purchase opera glasses at the Metropolitan Opera's gift shop at Lincoln Center.

You're welcome!

[wonkit]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 8:27pm

"Opera glasses" are really just compact binoculars. I always carry a pair because I like picking up details in facial expressions or props and sets, even if I am sitting fairly close. Opera glasses are typically 3 x 25, which means the objects appear three times closer than without magnification, and the resolution (the 25 number) is pretty good in low light. I have also seen 8 x 21 compact binoculars which bring the object 8 times closer but they are a little less clear in theater conditions (as against outdoor/sunlight conditions). You can pick up opera glasses in almost any large camera store for anywhere from $10 to $250, but for theater use a good pair for $30 is probably enough.

[ahhrealmonsters]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 9:56pm

The balcony in the Longacre is the best balcony on Broadway. You should be fine without them. I do have a pair of binoculars that I use for theatre when I end up in a far rear mezz (like the Broadway). They're bird watching-type that I got at a camera store for around $40.

[Eos]

Posted: 1/20/11 at 10:08pm

I bought a pair a few years ago from Milano Gifts, and they were a little pricey, but you can find a more affordable pair on amazon.com.
I like having them on hand just in case.
And yes, I use them even though I usually wear jeans to the theatre!
Amazon link

[Weez]

Posted: 1/21/11 at 9:35am

I got a pair for Christmas one year. I may dress like a scruff, but no one's ever given me funny looks for having 'em! They're not on a stick though, if they were I think I *would* get funny looks! I think Mum got them off eBay, and they've served me very well when I've been in frighteningly high-up places. :)

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 1/21/11 at 9:49am

I brought binoculars to Les Misérables when i saw the tour in philly a few weeks ago and I thought they helped a lot. I was seated in the back row of the orchestra, so I was a ways away from the action. I recommend them.

[humbugfoto]

Posted: 1/21/11 at 10:01am

Don't bother with the stick ones, they're really more for show than anything else, and their magnification power is lousy. Wonkit's post explains very clearly what the difference is.

I have a pair of Tasco binoculars that are 8x21 but are less than four inches long. If I cup them in my hand you can't even see them, it looks like I'm shielding my eyes. That lessens the birdwatching effect. Amazon.com has them for less than $12.
Tasco binoculars