Although many people think of opera glasses as an extravagance, basic, simple pairs are surprisingly affordable. Basic opera glasses generally don't have an adjustable focus, but often come with a light at the bridge of the nose that can be used for reading programs or librettos. If you want a lovely, functional set of opera glasses and are on a budget, basic opera glasses are your best bet.
Lorgnette-style opera glasses have a handle attached to one side that's used to hold them up to the eyes. Lorgnette opera glasses are perhaps the most elegant opera glasses around, and are often used in movies as a classic, and classy, touch. If you're looking for delicate style, lorgnette opera glasses are your best bet.
At a level of elegance between basic opera glasses and lorgnette opera glasses are opera glasses with chains. These glasses usually have all the features of basic opera glasses, but also come with a chain that can be used to hang the glasses around your neck. If you're looking for opera glasses that are elegant, but convenient and secure, or if you plan to use your glasses often, but not continuously, opera glasses with chains are your best bet.
Many opera-goers prefer a more modern look over delicate opera-glass styles. Although frequently sold by opera-glass retailers, these are in fact not opera glasses, but all-purpose compact binoculars. This style of opera binoculars varies widely in price, from below $100 to more than $1,000. If you're looking for a more sturdy or masculine design, or opera glasses that convert easily to other purposes, compact binoculars are your best bet.
For traditional, lorgnette, and chain opera glasses, there are really only a few well-known quality manufacturers, Zhumell, Eschenbach, Masterpiece Collection, and Barska. Many of these same manufacturers also make compact binoculars, but there are a wider range of selections, as well from quality brands like Olympus, Nikon, and Pentax. The Met Opera Shop of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City also sells its own line of glasses, as well as Nikon brand compact binoculars.