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Opera glasses developed from a series of other inventions. All this started in 1608 when the Dutch optician Hans Lipperhey created binoculars consisting of two parallel telescopes. Their magnification capability was a (very impressive for the time) x3. Within one year the Italian mathematician and philosopher Galileo Galilee made massive improvements to the techniques and types of lenses used in telescopes, thereby increasing the magnification ability to x30.

Binoculars gave a much wider field of view than telescopes, but since they had 2 convex lenses, the picture that you saw was inverted. It wasn’t until 1617 that Anton Schyrle added an additional lens to re-invert the image. In 1758 John Dollond of England invented the achromatic (color free) lens and thereby solved the problem of color distortion.

The next step forward was made when an Italian gunnery officer by the name of Ignazio Porro developed prismatic binoculars during the ’50s. These offered an even wider field of vision than earlier binoculars and also a drastically improved magnification ability.

We don’t find any mention of opera glasses in the printed media before the 1730 – in London. These rather primitive opera glasses were not binoculars – they were mini-sized Galilean telescopes. People used them for decorative purposes as much as to watch opera. The bodies were mostly highly decorated with numerous gems, enamel, mother of pearl and ivory.

Binocular-type opera glasses made their appearance for the first time during the ’20s in Vienna. These early types were basically still only two small telescopes with a connecting bridge. The individual telescopes had to be focused by pulling out the tubes.

These very soon became as much a fashion item as an optical instrument. The designs became more elaborate and had to be worked on by painters, goldsmiths and other artists to create the ultimate fashion accessory. Theater goers not only used this to watch the stage, but also to scrutinize other people in the audience – presumably to see who else had opera glasses!

The design soon improved to allow for the simultaneous adjustment of both lenses. This was another major step forward and only served to increase the popularity of this type of glasses. They also became highly valued gifts – as one can see from the inscriptions found on many opera glasses of the time.

Nowadays there is a wide array of opera glasses available. You can get them in virtually any color you want. They come in many different styles and materials. Strangely enough, monoculars are still popular, as are opera glasses with handles or reading lights. You even get them fitted with a jealousy glass – so you can watch another person in the audience without being seen!

Before you attend any performance make sure that you have a good pair of opera glasses. Here you can check out Opera Glasses with handle, flashlight, chain and more!