Opera glasses are a magnifying device that help opera viewers focus on objects onstage from distant points in an opera hall. They are built to be small and functional, while many are also designed for fashion as well. Some opera enthusiasts use opera glasses regularly, while others find them unnecessary.

In a way, opera glasses are like binoculars, but are specifically designed for viewing indoor performances. In larger opera venues, viewers toward the back or in balconies can be a substanial distance from the stage. As much of enjoying opera involves following the story as it is performed, not being able to see can be a big problem. Opera glasses help operagoers see the action stage from locations far from the stage.

Opera glasses are designed to be small and unobtrusive, helping the user follow the opera without distracting others. Many models look very similar to binoculars, but focus especially well indoors. Opera glasses are much smaller than binoculars and come in a variety of designs.

Almost like opera tickets themselves, opera glasses come in many different prices. Cheaper models cost well under $100, while more expensive models can cost several hundred dollars. Differences between the models include the quality of the optics and construction. For some models, fashion is also a consideration, with the opera glasses designed to look as elegant as the people using them. In those cases, the cost often rises as well.

While opera glasses can be purchased easily, they can often be rented for an individual performance in larger venues. This can be useful in situations where a person attends opera occasionally and wouldn't use opera glasses elsewhere, or when someone arrives to discover that they can't see the stage from their seat. Renting opera glasses for a performance is often inexpensive.

Some operagoers ask if they need opera glasses at all. For many, it is a personal choice. Some find having opera glasses to be helpful in following the story, while others find them distracting. Those who haven't used opera glasses before, might consider borrowing or renting a pair before buying. Trying a pair of opera glasses during a performance is the best way to know whether an opera enthusiast will find them useful.